The Rococo Period is an art movement from the 18th century characterized by pastel color palettes, natural motifs, curving lines, and a light-hearted nature. It started in Paris, France around 1720 A.D. as a reaction to the Baroque period, which preceded it. Where Baroque was serious and forlorn, Rococo artworks were free-spirited and bright. The movement encompassed paintings and architecture and grew from France to also influence art and design in Italy, Germany, Austria, and England.
The word Rococo comes from the French word "rocaille" which means pebble or rock. It refers to the stones and shells used to decorate fountains and grottos, a pattern that influenced Rococo painters throughout the period. Paintings from the Rococo period are defined by their natural motifs, playfulness and celebration of youth and love.
Presented here are five of the most well-known paintings from the Rococo period.
The Swing
Painter: Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Current Location: Wallace Collection, London, Great Britain
Fun Fact: Though the paintings appears innocent by modern standards, it is actually a statement of sexuality and desire.
The Soap Bubbles
Painter: Jean Siméon Chardin
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Current Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, USA
Fun Fact: The bubbles the subject is blowing is meant to represent the transience of life.
The Embarkation for Cythera
Painter: Jean-Antoine Watteau
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Current Location: Musee de Louvre, Paris, France
Fun Fact: The island of Cythera, where this painting is set, is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
La Toilette de Vénus
Painter: François Boucher
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Current Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, USA
Fun Fact: The model used for this painting is Madame de Pompadour, a French aristocrat and major figure in the Rococo art movement.
The Entrance to the Grand Canal
Painter: Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal)
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Current Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas, USA
Fun Fact: This piece and other works by this artist are featured in the 2017 film Canaletto and the Art of Venice.
Further Reading:
- Art in Context | “The Swing” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard – The “L’Escarpolette” Painting<
- Art in Context | Famous Rococo Paintings – The Best Art of the French Rococo Era<
- Artsper Magazine | The 10 Rococo Artworks You Should Know
- TheArtStory.org | Rococo