The Baroque art style emerged in the 17th century as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation and Counter Reformation. Baroque art is characterized by exaggerated motion, drama, tension, exuberance, and strong gestures meant to elicit heightened emotions. Key figures in Baroque art included Caravaggio, Bernini, Rubens, and Rembrandt in visual art, as well as Bach, Handel, and Verdi in music. Opera also emerged as a quintessential Baroque art form combining performance, music, and elaborate stage design.