Rococo Art
Rococo Art
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Most closely associated with the reign of
Louis XV in France
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Louis XV became king in 1715 after the death
of his great-grandfather, Louis XIV. He was
five years old at the time of his ascension to
the throne of France
Louis XV ruled France from 1715-1774
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Louis XIV
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Louis XV
Rococo Art
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The Rococo style of art began in 18th
century France and spread to other parts
of Europe.
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In terms of art history, the Rococo style
developed toward the end of the Baroque
period.
Rococo developed as a protest to the drama
and dark colors of the Baroque period
Rococo Art
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Characteristics
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Light-hearted, flirty, graceful figures
Pale colors and Cherubs were common
Romantic depictions of luxuriously attired gentlemen
and ladies indulging in leisure activities
Love was a common theme: romantic love, motherly
love, even erotic love
Backgrounds often included delicate depictions of
nature (wispy trees, flowers, etc)
Portraiture very popular
Jean-Antione Watteau
Pilgrimage to Cynthera
Jean-Antione Watteau
La Boudeuse
Jean-Antione Watteau
La Surprise
Francois Boucher
Putti With Birds
Francois Boucher
The Toilet of Venus
Francois Boucher
Portrait of Marie-Louise O’Murphy (mistress of
Louis XV…one of many)
Francois Boucher
Portrait of Madame de Pompadour (chief mistress
of Louis XV)
Jean-Honore Fragonard
The Swing
Jean-Honore Fragonard
A Young Girl Reading
Jean-Honore Fragonard
The Secret Meeting
Jean-Honore Fragonard
The Musical Contest