Art History 121: 18th Century European Art and Architecture

Practice flashcards covering major terms and concepts related to 18th Century European Art and Architecture, focusing on Rococo, key figures, and significant debates.

Rococo

A highly ornamental and theatrical style of decoration characterized by asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, and pastel colors, first appearing in France and Italy in the 1730s.

Louis XIV

The King of France who reigned from 1643 to 1715, known for his role in shaping the Palace of Versailles.

Poussinistes vs Rubénistes

A debate in the French Academy between those who favored the classicism of Nicolas Poussin (Poussinistes) and those who favored the color and sensuality of Peter Paul Rubens (Rubénistes).

Salon de la Princess

An exemplar of Rococo architecture and interior design, created by Germain Boffrand, located in L'Hôtel de Soubise, Paris.

Antoine Watteau

A prominent French painter known for his works like 'Fêtes Venitiennes' and 'Louvre', which capture the essence of Rococo art.

Jean-Honore Fragonard

A French painter known for his playful and dynamic compositions, including the famous painting 'The Swing'.

Denis Diderot's Critique

A philosophical stance questioning the morality of art, arguing for virtue and decency over seductive imagery.

Hall of Mirrors

An iconic room in the Palace of Versailles, reflecting the grandeur of the Baroque period and the reign of Louis XIV.

Classicism and Neo-Classicism

Art movements that draw upon the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing order, harmony, and restraint.

Gilding

The application of a thin layer of gold or gold-like substance to surfaces, commonly used in Rococo decoration.