Rococo and Neo-Classical Art

Rococo History

• 1717 – 1767• Originated in France• Term coined by on of David’s pupils• Comes from the word rocaille– type of interior ornamental stone work– Was meant as a humorous insult mocking the

supposed triviality of the aristocratic style.• Was viewed as a thin, and lightweight form

and not as serious art by contemporaries.

Rococo Characteristics• Closely associated with the Reign of Louis XV• Portrayed the French aristocracy at play. • Light hearted• Portrayed the • Decorative and ornamental• Concentrated on scrollwork, shell motifs and

cherubs.• Focus on the female nude, boudoir with women

in compromising positions or sexually aggressive poses.

Prominent Artists

• Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721)• Francois Boucher (1703-1770)• Jean-Honore Fragonard (1732-1806)

Pilgrimage to the Island of Cythera – Watteau (1717)

Diana Bathing – Boucher 1742

Mademoiselle O’Murphy – Boucher 1751

Madame De Pompadour – Boucher (1758)

The Swing – Fragonard (1767)

Neo- Classicalism History

• 1760 -1808• Born out of the Rejection of Rococo• Originated in Rome• Fueled by an increase in knowledge of ancient

art partly because of new archeological discoveries in Rome and the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Neo- Classicalism Characteristics

• Neo = New • Inspired by Greek and Roman history, literature, and

myth.• Conveyed serious topics– Morality – Justice– Honor– Patriotism

• Focused on simplicity, order and clarity.• Mirrored much of the ideals of the Enlightenment.• Shares some traits with Romantic art which begins in

the same era. (Later Discussion)

Prominent Artists

• Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825)

The Intervention of the Sabine Women – David 1794

The Oath of Horatii – David 1785

The Oath of Horatii – David 1785

The Death of Marat – David 1793

Napoleon Crossing the Alps – David 1801