The Rococo

ORIGIN
Style in interior design, the decorative arts, garden designs,
painting, architecture, music and sculpture that originated in Paris
in the early 18th century but was soon adopted throughout France
and later in other countries, principally Germany and Austria.
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.
Lightness, elegance, and an exuberant use of curving, natural
forms in ornamentation characterize it.
ARCHITECTURE & GARDEN DESIGNS
Rococo architecture, was a lighter, more graceful. It emphasized the
asymmetry of forms and it is richly decorated. It doesnt depict
Christian themes as the baroque art did.
Igreja de So Francisco de Assis in So Joo del Rei, 1749
1774, by the Brazilian master Aleijadinho
St. Andrew's Church in Kiev, 17441767, designed by
Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli
Gardens of Versailles designed by Andr Le Ntre
PAINTINGS
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.
Family portraits are dreamy and light hearted.

 Servants are depicted happily serving their aristocratic employers

and were often included in family portraits.
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.
SCULPTURE
This style was best expressed through delicate porcelain sculpture
rather than imposing marble statues.