Jordan Cleek The Rococo Style July 14 2013

The Rococo Style: Scenes of Love, Flirtation, and Aristocracy The Rococo Style occurred in the eighteenth century. During this time, emphasis was placed on the carefree lifestyle of the aristocracy instead of the saints and other religious figures. This style was considered very whimsical and frivolous (Catholic Ency). During this time, the themes and subjects were often light hearted such as ladies swinging or fete gallant, the elegant outside party (Art Lex). The scenes were usually misty and soft while the subjects were adorned in elaborate, sophisticated garments. The style was far different than the Baroque Period which was too coarse and heavy, the lines too straight and stiff, and the whole impression too weighty and forced. This shift was caused by the French king, Louis XIV. He commanded the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture to produce more youthful art. This style spread like wild fire through painting, sculpting, furniture making, architecture, and fashion (Art History). I find that this style of art, although it can be very stuff if overdone, can be very refreshing and easy to look at. There was not a lot of emotional turmoil portrayed in this time period. There were not a lot of saturate colors, instead pastels ruled the palette. The compositions were not fretful, but fun and flirtatious. The lines were not harsh, but soft. Its content just oozed with composure and luxury. Personally, if I had a few Rococo pieces in a room in my apartment, I could see if being very fun and fashionable. However, when I visited Versailles, the style was stuffy, overdone, and suffocating.

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Jordan Cleek The Rococo Style July 14 2013

The Style in Painting

The Style in Architecture

Works Cited
"ArtLex on Rococo." ArtLex on Rococo., http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/r/rococo.html. Web. 14 July 2013. "Rococo and Art History." Rococo and Art History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2013. "Rococo Style." CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13106a.htm. Web. 14 July 2013.

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