In the context of art history, which movement is known for embracing pastiche?

The movement renowned for embracing pastiche is Postmodernism. This artistic and cultural movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century, is characterized by a playful and often eclectic mixing of styles, genres, and references from various periods and cultures. Pastiche involves the imitation or deliberate imitation of different artistic styles and works, often to create a sense of irony, parody, or commentary on the original forms.

Postmodernism challenges the notions of originality and authority in art, often celebrating the idea of borrowing and remixing existing styles rather than striving for a singular narrative or unified aesthetic vision. Artists from this movement often utilize pastiche to critique established norms and to blur the lines between high and low culture, making art accessible and relevant to a broader audience.

In contrast, the other movements listed do not emphasize pastiche in the same way. The Baroque period showcased grandeur and drama, with a focus on emotional expression. Modernism sought to break away from traditional forms and was primarily characterized by a search for new forms of expression, often valuing originality and innovation over pastiche. Romanticism, while it emphasized emotion and individualism, did not typically incorporate the playful mixing of styles that defines postmodern pastiche.