The Rococo movement, prevalent in the 18th century, emerged as a lighthearted and ornamental response to the grandeur of the Baroque era. Characterized by delicate ornamentation, pastel colors, and playful themes, Rococo art and design sought to create an atmosphere of elegance and whimsy. Artists such as Jean-Antoine Watteau, François Boucher, and Jean-Honoré Fragonard played key roles in defining the Rococo style.
In painting, Rococo artists often depicted scenes of leisure, love, and nature, while in architecture and interior design, the movement influenced the creation of elaborate, asymmetrical ornamentation and the use of curved forms. The Rococo style was particularly favored by the aristocracy and upper classes, reflecting a taste for indulgence and refinement.
Despite its opulence, the Rococo movement faced criticism for its perceived superficiality and excess. Nevertheless, its influence persisted in various art forms, contributing to the evolution of decorative arts and setting the stage for the Neoclassical reaction that followed in the late 18th century.
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun
Joshua Reynolds
Jean-Honoré Fragonard