Baroque art is confused at times with other styles due to the common use of the word Baroque to describe all manner of things, from architecture to literature. True Baroque art can be characterized by intense emotion and movement of the subject matter, dramatic lighting and bright colors. Baroque art also achieved an unprecedented level of realism that in essence would join the work with the viewer. The unity and balance of Baroque art allowed the subject matter to be honestly depicted. Therefore the human quality of this movement allowed the subjects of the works to actually reflect emotion and character.
Furthermore, Baroque art, while appealing to average person, forged the idea of depicting everyday scenes of life and the less animated still life. These developments in subject matter and the sense of depth in art that was mastered by Vermeer and other Baroque artists makes this a movement much like the Renaissance in its generous gifts to future artists and movements.