Life Replicating Art, or Art Come To Life: The Baroque Tattoo Style

By Bailey Jones

One of the beauties of art is that it is never static, rather it grows continuously, blossoming new styles, new techniques, and new artists. A seed planted hundreds of years ago now bears its fruits as an opulent and striking style of tattoo work. The baroque style has undergone a metamorphosis from its origin in the 17^th century to the modern day, particularly in the tattoo world. Commonly seen in larger, highly detailed pieces blending colour and anatomy, this style is one of the most visually stunning. But how does an art style from over 300 years ago stay relevant in today’s world? Our baroque specialist Bridget lends her thoughts as we trace the style’s lineage, and learn more about what it was about baroque that drew Bridget to it. 

A sense of grandeur and awe and luxury. These roots are what artists in Rome and soon after most of Europe cultured into a variety of artforms, from dance to sculpture to paintings. It dominated the 17^th century and into the 18^th, where it evolved into the rococo style, which developed a more flamboyant character. The word was used to describe anything ‘absurdly complex’ which certainly describes the elaborate architecture, celling paintings and marble statues that fall under the style of baroque. But as all things cycle, the baroque style fell out of fashion, and by the 19^th century was being condemned, not only artistically, but as far as being titled ‘morally corrupt’ as exercises in excessiveness. It was after the second world war with the rise of postmodernism that allowed the baroque style to breathe once more, with the incorporation of the historic style into a modern world. With artists looking to draw on inspiration and challenge themselves, it is no wonder that their eyes fell upon this luxury style. 

Bridget's Baroque Artwork

Inspired by the sights of grand cathedrals, lavish paintings and masterfully crafted statues, baroque tattoos often draw from ornamental patterns and architecture. However, the tattoo medium has allowed for the incorporation of floral patterns that are increasingly common. Being such detailed pieces, it’s more likely you’ll find baroque pieces as sleeves up the arm or leg, or on partial or complete back and chests tattoos. The more space that’s offered, the more the artist can articulate their design to the body’s anatomy, and transform the body into a piece of art. Whether it’s the striking blackwork and shading to create deep shadows that highlight the contours of the designs, or introducing colours to visually pop, there is a great deal of flexibility in the designs that the baroque style offers. 

There is perhaps no better way to show that than to talk to Bridget, our baroque artist at Inkora, and pick her brain about what it was in this style that called to her, and to show some brilliant examples of how she’s used the baroque style to form luxury artworks.  

Bridget's Baroque Artwork

Q. What drew you to the baroque style?

I was drawn to realism as I’ve always drawn faces and human features. I enjoy the challenge, and when I work, I lose myself completely in the process. I am now transitioning into Baroque because I feel there is something celestial in this branch of art. The filigree reminds me of fractals — a representation of life and its unfolding, like blossom itself. It feels like an art form that is closest to creation.

Q. What are common things you often find being tattooed in this style? 

 I’ve had tattoos and ideas that were identical to others, and I’ve seen how often designs are repeated. Because of that, I always encourage my clients to evolve their ideas and make them unique to each individual, rather than following something that already exists.

Q. What’s your favourite thing to tattoo?

I love to tattoo realism portraits and detailed Baroque pieces.

Q. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to tattoo but haven’t been able to yet? 

I want to focus on my own designs, especially large-scale back pieces in Baroque style combined with portraiture.

Q. Why should someone get a baroque tattoo?

I work with tattoo collectors who want something timeless, not trend-driven, and truly unique — as only a small circle of artists are working in a similar direction.

Bringing such an opulent style into the modern age is no easy feat, but Bridget definitely makes it look that way. Her designs, often inspired by the baroque style found around Oxford, and her style are built on many years of practice, and hundreds of years of inspiration. A baroque tattoo, quite simply, is a work of art, framed on your body as opposed to on a wall.

Looking to add a piece to your collection? You can book to get your own baroque tattoo with Bridget today at Inkora, by booking though our website: https://www.inkora.studio/gajd%C3%B3-brigitta-bridget