Gourt > Arts > Art History > Periods and Movements > Rococo
The Rococo style of art emerged in France in the early 18th century as a continuation of the Baroque style, but in contrast to the heavier themes and darker colors of the Baroque, the Rococo was characterized by an opulence, grace, playfulness, and lightness. Rococo motifs focused on the carefree aristocratic life and on lighthearted romance rather than heroic battles or religious figures; they also revolve heavily around nature and exterior settings. In the mid-late 18th century, rococo was surpassed by the Neoclassic style.
The word Rococo was apparently a combination of the French rocaille, or shell, and the Italian barocco, or Baroque style. Due to Rococo love of shell-like curves and focus on decorative arts, some critics used the term to derogatively imply that the style was frivolous or merely fashion; interestingly, when the term was first used in English in about 1836, it was a colloquialism meaning "old-fashioned". However, since the mid 19th century, the term has been accepted by art historians. While there is still some debate about the art historical significance of the style, rococo is now widely recognized as a major period in the development of European art.
Historical development
More on [ Rococo ]
How Words Matter
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (Sarah Burns) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:43 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 2-4, Spring 2009.
Money
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (Margaretta M. Lovell) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:41 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 4-7, Spring 2009.
Pleasure
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (David M. Lubin) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:50 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 7-9, Spring 2009.
Affect
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (Erika Doss) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:52 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 9-11, Spring 2009.
Reciprocity
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (Angela Miller) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:53 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 11-12, Spring 2009.
Silence
help@www.journals.uchicago.edu (Anthony W. Lee) Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:45 -0000
American Art, Volume 23, Issue 1, Page 13-14, Spring 2009.
18th-Century France: The Rococo and Watteau - Introduction from the National Gallery of Art
Catholic Encyclopedia: Rococo Style - Very good introduction to this style.
Meta Description: [ A discussion of this whimsical style, its origins and uses ]
| R.M.S. Titanic Newsreel (April 10, 1912). | |
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