Characteristics of Classical Art

It is considered that the 18th century began in 1715 with the death of Louis XIV and ended in 1815 with the fall of Napoleon I and the Congress of Vienna. The “Enlightenment” is a term that designates a cultural and philosophical movement that dominated in Europe, and more particularly in France. By extension, they gave the name Enlightenment (in French: Lumière) which led to the advent of democracy, in England and the United States with the American Revolution, and in France with the French Revolution. Rococo style was founded during this period in Paris, and was then adopted by Austria and Germany. In order to get a clear idea, I’ll be defining the Rococo Style, then introduce two of its pioneers.

Origins of Rococo

According to Delécluze, the term “rococo” is coined, around 1797, in derision by Pierre-Maurice Quays. It results from an association of the French word “rocaille” which designates an ornamentation imitating rocks and natural stones and the curved shape of certain shells and the Portuguese word Baroco: “baroque.” The term Rococo has long had a pejorative character before being accepted by art historians around the middle of the nineteenth century and considered a full-fledged European artistic movement. This style was involved in architecture, the decorative arts, painting and sculpture. It develops from 1715 to 1780, in France and then in the Holy Roman Empire, and in Southern Europe (Savoy, Italy, Spain, Portugal). Between Rococo and classical art a remarkable difference. I’ll expose it in a grid below.

Comparative Analysis

Pioneers of Rococo: François Boucher

The figure above is considered one of the finest examples of French rockery; the decor of the hotel Soubise was made by François Boucher, Charles Joseph Natoire, and Carle van Loo, among others and remains until today intact. Moreover, William Hogarth and Jean-Baptiste Greuze are two pioneers of Rococo. William Hogarth, child of the Glorious Revolution, was very early recognized by critics and identified in France in 1753 by Denis Diderot as a brilliant spirit. Hogarth is a complete artist who embraced several modes of expression, and whose influence continues until early twentieth century. First free and singular artist of the English school of painting, he does not hesitate to use the press and his networks of friends to defend his ideas while expressing, as much by the pen as the brush, the wanderings, pleasures and moral contradictions of his time.

Pioneers of Rococo: William Hogarth's Impact

The famous Wedding-à-la-mode series, generously lent to the Louvre Museum by the National London Gallery, is based on real facts but also on a Dryden comedy and a little previously by David Garrick. The paintings are painted in anticipation of their transition to engraving reverse scenes. This series describes the unhappy marriage of a young man, son of an improvident and impoverished aristocrat shown as an “end of race”, and daughter of a rich merchant. The ridiculousness, frivolity misunderstandings—ruin then death punctuate each of six episodes in this series. But here again—the freedom vanity figures gestures accoutrements attention interiors pets revealing protagonists’ tastes go beyond social satire constitute one peak Lights.

The Artistic Legacy of Jean-Baptiste Greuze

In addition, Jean-Baptiste Greuze born in Tournus in 1725 occupied considerable place in French art eighteenth century. He became famous—a celebrity that is difficult to imagine today. Talented draftsman prolific painter he is represented collections many French European museums American Russian The Broken Eggs was painted Rome by Greuze. This picture symbolizes loss virginity “The little boy trying repair one eggs represents uncomprehending innocence childhood It attracted favorable comment when exhibited Paris Salon 1757 One critic noted that young girl had pose so noble that she could embellish history painting Its pendant was Neapolitan Gesture 1757 (Worcester Art Museum) same four models appear but seducer foiled old woman.”(London Fiesta)

The Enduring Influence of Rococo Style

In conclusion, the Rococo style was a very famous style during the Glorious Century. Many artists became famous and adopted that style. The Rococo has many unique characteristics that attracted artists. It was mainly presented by portraiture and familiar symbolic scenes full activities. The choice colors also differs style – pale colors Greuze Hogarth shined presenting paintings such style treating social holy scenes or bourgeoisie.