Rococo Style Overview

Characteristics and Time Frame

• Rococo Style: Less formal, aristocratic style focusing on luxury.
• Time Period: Approximately 1700 to 1750.
• Key Features:
  • Elaborate, ornamental decoration.
  • Asymmetrical patterns unlike the symmetry in Baroque.
  • Motifs and scrollwork derived from Baroque.

Comparison with Baroque

• Rococo vs Baroque:
  • Rococo is lighter and more light-hearted compared to Baroque.
  • Maintains sculptural qualities but in a toned-down manner.
  • More glitz and gold, albeit in a subdued fashion.
  • Favoring pastels over the dramatic light and shadow contrast in Baroque.

Cultural Context

• French Aristocracy: Centers around their leisure and pastimes.
  • Parisian hotel culture is a significant influence.
• Social Impact: Viewed as a divisive style by lower classes.
  • Sign of division leading to the French Revolution.

Regional Variations

• France: Emerges from Louis XIV’s redecoration of Versailles.
• Italy: Dialed-back drama from Baroque, emphasizing lighter color schemes and pastels.
• England: Concurrency with Gothic revival, creating a mix of Rococo, Oriental, and Gothic influences.
  • Focus on Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture designs.
  • Introduction of George of Hanover, leading to the Hanoverian monarchy.

Rococo Furniture

• Characteristics:
  • Smaller, lighter pieces compared to Baroque.
  • Use of lighter, stronger woods like mahogany.
  • Soft pastel colors and delicate, slightly asymmetrical forms.
  • Decorative motifs with flowing S and C curves in curvilinear design.

Art Historical Context

• Rococo coexists with Baroque, marking a shift rather than a separate movement.
• Similar transformation seen in Renaissance art, where styles evolve over time yet are interconnected.