What was the counter reformation and how did affect art?

The Counter-Reformation was a movement initiated by the Catholic Church in the 16th century in response to the Protestant Reformation. It aimed to reaffirm Catholic doctrine and address issues of corruption within the Church. This movement significantly impacted art by promoting the Baroque style, characterized by emotional intensity, dramatic use of light, and grandeur, which was used to convey religious themes and inspire devotion. Artists like Caravaggio and Bernini utilized these techniques to create compelling works that communicated the power and beauty of Catholicism.