What is Rococo Art?
What makes Rococo so interesting!?
What in the world is “Rococo Art”?
I’m sure we’ve somewhat heard of “Rococo”? Well, today my friends, let’s be curious and discover this together and dive deeper into the world of Rococo Art.
We’ll be learning some important things about Rococo art and why it was such a fascinating and amazing era.
What is Rococo Art?
Interesting things to know about Rococo art.
Characteristics of Rococo Art?
Famous Artists from the Rococo period.
What is Rococo Art?
Rococo art originated in the early 18th Century in Paris and later on became more popular throughout Europe. It lasted around 1730 - 1780. The word “Rococo” derives from the French word “rocaille”, which means rubble or rock. But why would they name a whole art era based on rocks and rubbles?
Well, the mystery behind this is quite simple. It refers to pebble or shell-work in the fountains and grottos and describes the serpentine pattern often seen in the Rococo era.
Rococo grew out of Baroque art but was quite different from its predecessor. Both had amazing architecture featuring lots of ornamentation in their works of art. However Baroque art is more dramatic while Rococo was more light-hearted and playful.
Interesting things to know about Rococo art.
Rococo was perhaps the most rebellious of design style often described as the final expression of the baroque movement. It was exceptionally ornamental and theatrical. A style with no restraints or rules. Generally religious elements was nonexistent in Rococo paintings.
Characteristics of Rococo Art
The main features of Rococo art are:
Asymmetrical composition
Soft colors and Bright pastel colors
Scenes of Love and Nature
classical myths
Lightheartedness, entertainment, and youth
Famous Artists of the Rococo period
Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known artists in the Rococo period!
Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684 - 1721) The founding father of the Rococo art movement. He is credited with the birth of Rococo, focusing on garden parties and other outdoor events as the primary subject matter in his paintings.
François Boucher (1703 - 1770) Boucher was known for his classical themes with voluptuous paintings and pastoral scenes to create amazing decorative storytelling. He was also the court painter for King Louis XV and director of the Royal Academy in 1765.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732 - 1806) Fragonard embodied the freedom and curiosity of the French Enlightenment. His work elevates erotic symbolism that would have been easily comprehended by his contemporaries, Being able to create multiple intellectual layers with his asymmetrical composition and storytelling.
Jean Siméon Chardin (1699 - 1779) Unlike most artists from the Rococo period. Chardin was more known for his mastery of still life which later evolved to genre painting
Mini Exercise for you!
This week, I want you to explore more on your own and see what else you can discover about the Rococo era. From discovering some of your new favorite artists from this time and era.
Have fun learning and exploring!
What did you discover?
I’m curious to see your thoughts on the Rococo art and If you also discovered something new about it, I would love to know! (You can comment and share your thoughts below!)
Thank you for reading my fun little discovery and I hope you also get to learn and share your discoveries too!
Share this with fellow friends, family, and artists who would benefit and love learning more about art! On social media, email, or text. Thanks for reading!
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