The Rococo style originated in France in the early 18th
century and was largely a reaction to the strict lifestyle required by Louis
XIV during his 72 year reign.
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| Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Meeting , 1771-73 |
After Louis’ death the nobles, who had been
required to move to Versailles during Louis’ lifetime, decided to return to
Paris where all the fun was. They built and remodeled homes and decorated them
in the opulent, over the top style that we now call Rococo.
 |
| Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, 1766 |
Their paintings
were full of painterly, pastel scenes with little to no moral value which was
criticized by the working class of the time. After all, while the French Elite
were living scandalous lives, the working class were starving, and dying of rampant
illness and being taxed at up to 80% of their income.
 |
| Wies Church, Bavaria, late 1740’s. |
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| Salon de la Princesse, Hôtel de Soubise, Paris, 1737-40 |
It’s fair to say that Rococo was one of the final insults
that lead to the French Revolution. But that’s not to say it wasn’t a
fantastically beautiful artistic style!
Tune in next week for another brand new episode!
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If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.