How to Identify Rococo Art

Rococo, from "rocaille," a French word for rock-work, was an 18th movement in European art. Although associated with the period of Louis XII, it may be a continuation of the Baroque style. The style portrays the aristocracy at play and reflects an optimistic viewpoint. It is lighthearted and decorative and focuses on beauty. Use these tips to identify Rococo art.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Examine the style of the paintings. The source of light is sometimes arbitrary. Active brushwork, delicate lines and pastel colors are typical. Artists tried to create atmospheric effects. Compositions are asymmetrical.
2. Determine the subject matter. Common themes were mythology, portraiture, romance, genre and pastoral. Landscapes were charming views of nature unspoiled by man.
3. Look at the sculpture. Sculpture is elegant and light. Curved and asymmetrical forms are used. Consider studying works by Rococo sculptors like Etienne-Maurice Falconet and Clodion.
4. Familiarize yourself with the Rococo style of architecture. Plans have frivolous elements. Rococo makes use of undulating facades and broken pediments and entablatures. Visual shifting of concave to convex creates movement. The use of many openings achieves the play of light and shadow.
5. Look at architects working in the late Baroque and Rococo style like Johann Balthasar Neumann and Francois de Cuvillies. Famous buildings include the Wurzburg Residentz, the Amalienburg in Munich and the Catherine Palace in Russia.
6. Study the Rococo painters. The French painters include Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Jean-Antoine Watteau and Jean-Honore Fragonard and the English painters include Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds.
7. Investigate the decorative arts. An abundance of decorative detail reveals Rococo style. Molded plaster created elaborate curvilinear ornamentation. Furniture had ornate details and organic motifs.

Tips & Warnings

• Different styles merge in the architecture. Look for onion domes resting on more sedate Gothic structures.
• Genre pieces consisted of intimate views of domestic and family life of the upper classes.
• Chinoiserie became popular during this time. Look for Chinese motifs and themes.
• Interior designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste Aurele Meissonier worked in the Rococo style.

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