Within Europe, the Baroque style had various country-specific incarnations. In terms of wallpaper design, the main themes are Italian Baroque, French Baroque and English Baroque.
Italian Baroque
The Italian or Roman Baroque (Barroco) is characterised by a dynamic and theatrical energy with opulent ornaments and illusionistic painting techniques which allowed walls and ceilings to merge seamlessly. The sculptural ceiling paintings of that era, which can be found in Italian churches, castles and palazzos, are world-famous. The most important artists of this period include Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Guido Reni and Andrea Sacchi.
French Baroque
The heyday and late period of the French Baroque coincided with the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. It is characterised by a restrained dynamic and understated ornamentation. However, as in Italy, it takes the combination of all elements to create a Baroque "total work of art". This classicist Baroque style pays homage to lofty and monumental ornamental designs. Under Louis XV, the Rocaille style (which is identical to Rococo) developed. Shell shapes, exuberant ornamentation, asymmetry, light colours and playful lines are its hallmarks.
English Baroque
The English Baroque is an important term in the field of architecture. This comparably sober classicist style is known as "Palladianism". It incorporates a variety of antique components. Flemish artists, above all Sir Anthony van Dyke, are leading in the world of painting and fine arts. The Victorian style, which was prevalent in England from 1837 to 1901, combined several neo-styles, including the Old Baroque. Since it is based on the Louis Quinze style, it is also called Victorian Rococo.