The Baroque period (1600–1750) revolutionized sculpture by infusing it with unprecedented dynamism and raw emotion, particularly in bronze works. Artists like Gian Lorenzo Bernini pioneered techniques that transformed static figures into scenes of dramatic movement and psychological intensity.

Baroque bronze sculptures emphasize dynamism through spiraling compositions and asymmetrical poses. Figures twist, stretch, and interact with space, creating a sense of arrested motion. Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" exemplifies this, capturing Daphne's metamorphosis into a laurel tree with breathtaking fluidity.

Emotion is conveyed through meticulous detailing of facial expressions and body language. Deeply carved eyes, parted lips, and tense muscles create visceral responses. The use of chiaroscuro effects—contrasting light and shadow—enhances the dramatic impact, making figures appear to emerge from darkness.

Theatricality defines these works. Sculptures were often designed for specific viewpoints, encouraging viewer engagement. The interplay of polished and textured surfaces adds to the emotional narrative, with light animating the bronze to heighten the sense of drama.

This artistic approach reflected the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on emotional religious experiences. Bronze, with its malleability and durability, became the perfect medium to realize these visions of movement and passion that continue to captivate audiences centuries later.