Today I've been studying for my Baroque art midterm. It shouldn't be too bad - we've been focusing on the art of Spain, mostly. Why is Spain considered "Northern" Baroque, you wonder? I wish I knew! I guess "Southern Baroque" is basically Italy, and everyone else just gets lumped together with the North. So weird. But as long as I know the art of Velasquez and Rubens, I think I'll be OK.

Aside: My goodness, Rubens. Your women are very...substantial. Especially that Venus at her Mirror. Just looking at her rippling flesh makes me want to go out and jog a marathon.
I guess each generation really has their own standards of beauty!