Notes - Rococo to Realism (03/31)

Background

• Period of social, economic, and political upheaval (17th-18th century)

  • Transition of power from wealthy to middle class

  • Industrial Revolution

  • Enlightenment (Age of Reason)

• Various styles in this period overlapped

Rococo

• Italian term: shell-covered

• Period of extravagance amongst the wealthy European ruling classes

• Financed endless art commissions

• Stylistic characteristics

  • Whimsical, frivolous subjects

  • Curved lines and organic forms

  • Delicate brushstrokes, pastel colors

Absolute Monarchy

• Early 18th century, Europe: rulers believed to derive powers from God

• King Louis XIV called himself the “Sun King” to associate himself with the god Apollo

• Implied that the activities of France began when Louis arose in the morning, and stopped working when he went to bed

Artwork

• Pierre Patel, View of the Palace of Versailles

• Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen

• Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing

• William Hogarth, The Marriage Settlement (series)

• Diego Valaquezas, Las Meninas