The Rococo is an 18th-century artistic movement and style, affecting many aspects of art including painting, sculpture, architecture, interior design, decoration, literature, music, and theater. It developed in the early 18th century in Paris as a reaction against the strict regulations of the Baroque, especially of the Palace of Versailles. Rococo artists and architects used a more florid and graceful approach to the Baroque. Their style was ornate and used light colors, asymmetrical designs, curves, and gold. By the end of the 18th century, Rococo was largely replaced by the Neoclassic style. Here is a short video introduction to the period and the art that was created: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvlMyFXiMSc
The Feast of Love, Antoine Watteau, around 1718 - 1719, From the collection of: Old Masters Picture Gallery, Dresden State Art Museums
Antoine Watteau was one of the well-known artists in the Rococo period. I chose this to start off the gallery because I felt it captured all the elements of the period - the colors, and the whimsical trees. This shows the love between a few groups of people. The are all gathered around Venus's statue. In the statue you also see Cupid. Venus and Cupid are both figures of love.
Fountain scene in front of a palace, Johann Georg Platzer, 1730 - 1735, From the collection of: Skokloster Castle
This print captures the carefree nature of the people in this period. Also, nudity was very common in Rococo paintings. The painting has pastel colors and curvy lines. This photo is difference from the others because it shows a group of people nude in a public place. The people are also embracing each other which is also uncommon in the paintings of the time.
The painting follows the themes of the period. The man and woman are flirting with each other. There is not a chaperone present with them, which means they could have snuck away to see each other. The pastel colors and the cupids laying on the ground are typical of the period.
The Progress of Love: The Meeting, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, 1771 - 1773, From the collection of: The Frick Collection
This painting is of a secret meeting of lovers. The woman has gotten away from her chaperone and the man climbed a ladder to see her. The statue is of Venus and Cupid. The colors are the typical of the period - light pastels and gold.
The Swing, Jean Honoré Fragonard, c. 1775/1780, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
This painting shows the carefree atmosphere of the period. The whimsical and flowing lines of the trees are often seen in paintings during this time. It also shows the theme of love, the many people are out together enjoying themselves and the company.
The Mall in St. James's Park, Thomas Gainsborough, ca. 1783, From the collection of: The Frick Collection
This painting uses darker colors than the rest, but it still depicts the whimsical trees and curvy lines. The painting shows groups of women walking together through the park. While this isn't the love between male and female, there is still love in this painting between friends. You can see this by looking at the women who are strolling arm in arm.
The Beloved Child (L'Enfant Chéri), Marguerite Gérard; Fragonard, Jean-Honoré, 1790s, From the collection of: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
This painting depicts the love of a child. The child is draped in white fabric and is being pushed in a red and gold stroller. The women are both looking lovingly at the child. Pastels and curvy lines are used in the painting.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
