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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
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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systems with elegance, grace, refinement and love viewed as most important • Worship of wealth, pleaseureand power superseded the worship of God • Music and art reflected lightness and pleasure instead of an appeal to taith and emotion as in the Baroque
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