Sitemap  
 

Rococo Art

1710-1750

The Art of Frivolity

About the Rocco Movement
 
'The Art of the Aristocracy'
 
The word is derived from "rocaille" (pebble), but the term referred in particular to the small stones and shells used to adorn the interiors of grottoes. Such shells or shell forms were the primary motifs in Rococo ornament.
 
The Rococo style began as a backlash against Baroque formality and stuffiness. Unlike Baroque, Rococo is not concerned with religious matters or dramatic expression. The highly decorative art and design movement began in Paris, France in the early 1700s and is sometimes called the style of Louis XV (15th) . The style is profoundly symbolic of the hedonism of the European upper-classes. Rocco manner is characterized by graceful, enchanting, lighthearted themes of flirting and unrequited, melancholic love among the aristocracy. Sentiment was expressed over reason and emotionalism was expressed over intellect. Paintings are animated and clever, reflecting an impishly sensual daydream. 
 
Rococo Portraiture
 
Rocco paintings feature beautiful aristocrats decked out in velvet, elegant laces and rich golden embroideries. The figures are tall and willowy, stylish and charming. The faces are presented as soft and rosy, effeminate and eternally young. Noblemen are depicted wearing feminine coiffeurs, rouged lips and cheeks, often sporting high heels. The Rocco female figures are delicate and light; the faces, are childish and sentimental. The lines of the mouth curve in soft mischief or in a delicate enchanting smile. 
 
Characteristic of Rococo art was paintings of carefree aristocrats at play in make-believe settings. These romantic scenes depict luxuriously costumed ladies and gentlemen flirting, picnicking and playing music at gallant country parties.  The background scenery is often a serene natural setting with delicate trees and sprays of roses. Colors are a profusion of soothing, light pastels. The Rococo movement was initially restricted to France, later spreading to all of Europe and above all to England. The movement continued to develop until the arrival of Neoclassicism which attempted to return to the purism of classical antiquity.

 

 
   
 

 

 

Require more facts and information about Rococo Painting? Dig around every nook and cranny of the known universe for information this subject. Search Here

© HistoryofPainters.com If you like this page and wish to share it, you are welcome to link to it, with our thanks.

If you feel you have worthwhile information you would like to contribute we would love to hear from you. We collect essential biographical information and artist quotes from folks all over the globe and appreciate your participation. When submitting please, if possible, site the source and provide English translation. Email to millardmulch@gmail.com

 


 

 
Buy at Art.com
The Nest, 1743, Detail
Buy From Art.com
 
Buy at Art.com
Charmes de la Vie Champetre
Buy From Art.com
 
Buy at Art.com
Madame Adelaide, 1749
Buy From Art.com
 
Buy at Art.com
The Swing
Buy From Art.com
 
Key Painters of the Rocco Movement
Pompeo Batoni
Bernardo Bellotto
Francois Boucher
Canaletto
Jean-Baptiste Chardin

Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Thomas Gainsborough
Francisco de Goya
Thomas Hudson
Jean-Marc Nattier
Joshua Reynolds
Paul Sandby
Jean Antoine Watteau