Here's a breakdown of how the meaning evolved:
* 16th Century: Initially, "barroco" was used in the Portuguese language to describe a type of irregular, oddly shaped pearl. This was due to the popular belief that such pearls were more valuable because of their unique form.
* 17th Century: The word "baroque" transitioned into the Italian language and began to be used to describe elaborate, ornate, and sometimes even extravagant artistic styles. This connection arose because the irregular, imperfect beauty of a baroque pearl was seen as analogous to the complex, asymmetrical, and richly decorated artistic trends of the time.
* 18th Century: As the Baroque era progressed, the word "baroque" became associated with exaggeration, grandiosity, and even a sense of excess in various artistic fields, including architecture, painting, music, and literature.
In essence, the original meaning of "baroque" refers to an irregular, imperfect, and somewhat chaotic form. This inherent irregularity and complexity became a defining characteristic of the Baroque style, which embraced embellishment, movement, and an emotional intensity that contrasted with the more restrained Classicism of earlier eras.