150 CultureShock! Austria
which often involved the whole court, gave rise to popular
religious drama. During the Baroque period, Austria became
the centre of dramatic art, and its influence is still felt in
today’s theatres.Baroque Era (1685–1780)
Buildings on a grand scale, sumptuously decorated palaces,
marbled and gilded churches and monumental curvaceous
statues are all depictions of the 17th and 18th century
Baroque art style. The three Baroque monarchs—Karl VI, his
daughter Maria Theresa and her son Josef II—each playedWhen walking through the streets of the major cities, be
sure to look up so as not to miss the beautiful details, such
as this caryatid.