The Rococo period was a time of great artistic and cultural innovation in Europe, spanning roughly the mid-1700s to the early 1800s. Characterized by elaborate, ornate designs and styles, Rococo art and architecture sought to capture beauty in the everyday and the commonplace.
During this period, artists such as Francois Boucher and Jean-Honore Fragonard emerged as some of the most influential painters in Europe. Their works featured a lighter, more graceful aesthetic than works created by artists of earlier periods, emphasizing elegant curves and smooth lines rather than sharp edges and bold contrasts.
Rococo architecture was also distinct from other building styles of the time due to its focus on light and airy interiors. Many buildings were designed with high ceilings, large windows to let in lots of natural light, and delicate features such as carved wood ornaments and decorative plasterwork.
Overall, the Rococo period was a time of great creativity and inventiveness across a variety of artistic genres. It is considered to be a precursor to the Neoclassicism and Romantic movements that followed in later centuries, as it served as a transitional period between the Baroque style of previous years and more modern trends.
Rococo Art (France):
- Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin
- Jean-Honore Fragonard
- Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun
- Antoine Watteau
English Art:
- Sir Joshua Reynolds
- Thomas Gainsborough
- William Hogarth
- Sir Christopher Wren
