The Rococo Period

1725-1775

What is Rococo?• Derives from the French word rocaille, which refers to the delicate scroll

of the seashell• Rococo style transitioned the grandeur of the Baroque to the poise and

clarity of the Classical• Emphasis on pleasantness and prettiness• Luxurious but refined—not as gaudy as some Baroque style art• Flourished in France• Product of the wealthy aristocracy—reflected a decadent court society• Society and manners followed strict systems with elegance, grace,

refinement and love viewed as most important• Worship of wealth, pleaseure and power superseded the worship of God• Music and art reflected lightness and pleasure instead of an appeal to

taith and emotion as in the Baroque

Versailles

Painting

• Maintained many of the techniques of the Baroque, especially with light and shade

• Formal organization less open, lines less diffused, a bit less action

• Main difference lies in subject matter and mood

• Reflected a preference for the delicate and superficial

Antoine Watteau

• 1684-1721• Active during shift from Baroque to Rococo• Work shows the vitality of the Baroque, coupled with the

demands of the French court, displaying artificial grandeur• Embarkation for the Island of Cytera (CP 42)

– Tells the story of the courtly steps involved in convincing a lady to join the festivities and set sail for the mythical island of love

– Reflects amorous sentiments rather than strong expressive emotions

– Use of light and shade less dramatic, figures more clearly delineated, form less open and action more static than Baroque paintings

Francois Boucher

• 1703-1770• Painted miniature scenes for the King• Madame de Pompadour (CP 43)– Depicts the spirit of the aristocracy through her

posture and dress– Open book suggests intellect– Skillful use of light and shade creates the look of

silk on her gown– Lacks the drama and emotion of the Baroque

Music

• Like art, music was lovely and delicate, but lacked the passion and grandeur of the Baroque

• Much attention was given to decorative details of musical instruments– Patterns carved into instruments themselves and cases– Sides and tops of keyboard instruments often painted

• Francois Couperin (1668-1733)– Composed primarily for keyboard instruments—

harpsichord, organ– Known for delicate ornamentation throughout music