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Artists Alphabetically   Symbolism   50 Greatest Paintings   Art Movements  100 Greatest Painters	Thomas Hudson 1701-1779 English Rococo Portrait Painter Stylistically Influenced by the following Painter - William Hogarth Education -  studied with Jonathan Richardson the Elder   Cause of Death - Heart Failure Thomas Hudson's style reveals a taste for what is refined and elegant. He specialized in portraits of the upper-classes and operated the most successful studio in London. His affluent sitters appreciated his eagle eye precision at capturing a likeness.  They were impressed by his renditions of stylish English aristocrats and enthusiastically commissioned portraits from him that would display their affluence and fashionable good taste. Wealthy British society types clamored to invite Hudson to their balls and parties. The world Hudson lived in was in transition. The 1700s was a time of revolution and tremendous upheaval. The aristocracy of Europe were seized by the terror when they read about the French aristocracy having their heads lopped off in the public squares of France. The old social order was crumbling under freedom of the press and an intellectual movement called "The Enlightenment" was enlightening the minds of educated Europeans. People were becoming curious about modern science, art and philosophy.   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. The style is profoundly symbolic of the self-indulgence of European aristocratic rulers. Rocco manner is characterized by graceful, enchanting, lighthearted themes and seldom features anything of substance. 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. In a way they resemble modern day drag queens. 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 Germany. The movement continued to develop until the arrival of Neoclassicism which attempted to return to the purism of classical antiquity.     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.  Please submit your comment to the editor, via e-mail and if possible site the source. Thank you! millardmulch@gmail.com © HistoryofPainters.com If you like this page and wish to share it, you are welcome to link to it, with our thanks. copyright 20003 - historyofpainters.com   Principle Artists of the Rococo Period   Pompeo Batoni Bernardo Bellotto Francois Boucher Canaletto Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin Jean-Honoré Fragonard Thomas Gainsborough Francisco de Goya Thomas Hudson Jean-Marc Nattier Joshua Reynolds Paul Sandby Jean Antoine Watteau   Important Painters Born in the 13th Century Important Painters Born in the 14th Century Important Painters Born in the 15th Century Important Painters Born in the 16th Century Important Painters Born in the 17th Century Important Painters Born in the 18th Century Important Painters Born in the 19th Century Require more facts and information about  great English painters? Poke around every nook and cranny of the known universe for information this subject. Search Here Links Symbolism

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