Rococo

Zwiefalten 28 04 2011 23

Salon de la princesse hotel de soubise

Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier - Table de Cabinet., 6th Plate (Study for a Table), pl. 47 in Oeuvre de Juste-Aurele Meissonnier - Google Art Project (down table cropped)

Hotel de Soubise - Grande chambre de la princesse 3

Boiserie from the Hôtel de Varengeville MET DP214174

Charles Cressent, Chest of drawers, c. 1730 at Waddesdon Manor

Rococo is an artistic movement and style, which affected many aspects of the arts including painting, sculpture, architecture, interior design, decoration, literature, music, and theater. Originating in France in the early 18th century as a reaction against the grandeur, symmetry, and strict regulations of the Baroque, Rococo quickly spread to other parts of Europe, such as Italy, Germany, and Russia.

Origins and Characteristics

Rococo emerged in the early 18th century, specifically during the reign of King Louis XV of France. It is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, asymmetrical values, pastel color palette, and lighter, more graceful approach to the Baroque's grandiosity. The movement is often described as the final expression of the Baroque period, with a focus on pleasure and amusement, emphasizing the carefree aristocratic life rather than grand heroes or pious martyrs.

Art and Architecture

In art, Rococo is known for its soft colors, fluid forms, and playful themes. Artists like Jean-Antoine Watteau, François Boucher, and Jean-Honoré Fragonard depicted intimate scenes of leisure and love, often set in idyllic landscapes. Rococo painting is distinguished by its attention to detail, use of light, and complex compositions.

Rococo architecture and interior design feature elaborate decorations, including stucco, frescoes, carved wood, and intricate patterns. Famous examples include the Amalienburg in Munich and the interior designs of the Palais-Royal in Paris. Rococo architecture is marked by its lightness, elegance, and fluidity, with an emphasis on asymmetry and the use of motifs such as shells, scrolls, and foliage.

Decline and Legacy

The Rococo style began to decline in the late 18th century, giving way to Neoclassicism, which sought to return to the simplicity and purity of ancient Greece and Rome. Critics of Rococo saw it as superficial, overly ornate, and morally lax. Despite this, Rococo has experienced revivals and continues to influence modern design and art.

Influence

Rococo's influence extended beyond the visual arts; it affected literature, music, and theater of the period, contributing to a culture of refinement and sophistication. Its emphasis on personal pleasure and enjoyment can be seen in the works of contemporary writers and composers who sought to entertain and delight their audiences.

See Also

• Baroque
• Neoclassicism
• Jean-Antoine Watteau
• François Boucher
• Jean-Honoré Fragonard