Rococo -  Laughing ladies and gentlemen in powdered wigs wearing pastel costumes...

This is a name given to a style of art that began in France at the beginning of the 18th century and gained prominence during the reign of Louis XV.  It began with the decorations of gardens and grottos using the shapes of shells, plants, and rocks.  The style soon spread to other art forms. The name ‘Rococo’ is derived from the French word ‘rocaille’ meaning shell, stone, or rockwork and the Portuguese word ‘barocco’ which is a misshapen pearl. ‘Rococo’ is a style that is often considered an extension of the Baroque period. The term ‘Rococo’ was actually coined in the 19th century.

	Francois Boucher, Portrait of Madame de Pompadour, 1759, oil, London, Wallace collection

The death of Louis XIV, whose reign was deeply rooted in the Baroque formality, with its dark colors, dramatic interpretations and symbolism featuring important heroes, as well as biblical scenes, created a need for change. A reaction or protest began to unfold against what was seen as the heavier classical Baroque. 

Rococo began as a complete contrast to the formality of Baroque and was more frivolous and musical in style.  When it first began, the French exercised some control over Rococo and it wasn't quite so ornate as it later developed. But by the time of Louis XV’s reign it was in full bloom and everything seemed to be 'over the top' or overdone, like too much 'icing on a cake!'

France at that time was considered the leader in all things new and fashionable, and had an enormous influence over all of Europe. Rococo spread across Europe and as it took hold each country incorporated the style into their own traditions. This was due in part to foreign artists who studied in Paris, then returned home with what they saw and learned and as well the advances in printmaking and exportation of objects of art helped spread the movement.

	Rococo Illustration
	William Hogarth, Illustration of the Zeremonialkelch for the actor's club in Clare, 1st half 18th century,10.8 × 16.5 cm, Windsor, Royal Library, Great Britain, Rococo period

 

Soft curves and fluid movement...

In the illustration above, the artist William Hogarth incorpporates the motifs of the 'rococo' style. If the viewer looks closely, they will see shells, the acanthus leaves and scrolls based on the oval shape rather than on circles. Soft 'S' curves and also obvious lending a fluid and graceful movement through the design.

In many designs, cartouches became common elements in a composition and asymmetrical designs were embraced rather than designing with absolute symmetry. Rococo in England was represented in the Chippendale era by the furniture designer Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Jefferson, who was a gifted carver. Intricate scrolls, exotic birds, and flowers were also favorite motifs.  In Germany, Rococo was enthusiastically embraced, but with a stronger influence from the Baroque.

William Hogarth, Portrat of Schauspielers David Garrik and seiner Frau,1757 Oil on Canvas 132, 7 × 104 cm Great Britain Konigliche Sammlung Elisabeth II. Great Britain, Rococo Period

 

Rococo style slowly fades...

The Rococo style became less popular in Paris during the early 1760’s. Figures like Voltaire and Jacques-Francois Blondel began voicing their criticism of the shallowness of the art. However, as a testimony to the high esteem for anything ‘French’, it still flourished in other parts of Europe, especially in Germany until around 1770. It was popular in the provinces of France and also in Italy until the Empire style arrived with the Napoleonic governments that did away with the abundance of Rococo.
By 1780, Rococo was out of fashion, replaced by the order and seriousness of Neoclassical artists like Jacques Louis David.

Paint media – oils

Decorative art - The Rococo style was used in all manner of decorative art: architecture, painting, interiors, wallpapers, textiles, porcelain, furniture, moldings, metalwork, and churches. The look of Chinese art was also beautifully incorporated through Chinoiserie.

Art work – Softer and delicate colors and curving forms, cherubs and myths of love were often portrayed on canvas. Landscapes were pastoral and often depicted the leisurely outings of aristocratic couples and the wealthy upper classes.  Fantasy scenes with laughing ladies and gentlemen in powdered wigs, pastel costumes, frolicking, picnicking, and courting in the countryside were common themes. With a light hearted mood, the style portrayed an unreal world of theater, leisure, wealth, frivolity, play, and excess, all with gracefulness and light movement that often appeared musical.

Artists – Francois Bochert, Jacques Charlier, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Jean-Honore Fragonard, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Jean-Antoine Watteau, Francois Boucher, and Jean-Honore Fragonard were among the great Rococo artists; even Thomas Gainsborough show Rococo influence.

Decorative Art Colors – Colors were soft and subdued, often monochromatic, transparency was frequently seen in decorative scroll work.

Francois Boucher, The Bridge, 1751, Oil on Canvas 67 × 85 cm, Paris, Louvre France, Rococo Period

Title:Rococo to Revolution: Major Trends in Eighteenth-Century Painting Author: Michael Levey ISBN:0500200505  General Topic: Art History	Title:Art in Europe 1700-1830 Oxford History of Art Author: Matthew Craske ISBN:0192842064 General Topic: Art History

References.

A Biographical Dictionary of Artists - Sir Lawrence Gowing - ISBN - 1861990731

Rococo to Revolution - Major Trends in Eighteenth-Century Painting - Michael Levey