1. REGENCY & ROCOCO

Introduction to French Regency and Rococo

• The French Regency period occurs between the death of Louis XIV (1715) and the beginning of the reign of Louis XV (1723).

• Decorative styles in this period are characterized as Régence.

• Regarded as transitional between Louis XIV and Louis XV styles.

Political Context

Young Louis XV

• Louis XV was the great-grandson of King Louis XIV and became king at age five after Louis XIV's death.

• Governed by regent Philippe II, duc d’Orléans until Louis XV came of age in February 1723.

• Louis XIV's will left power to his legitimized sons to prevent Orléans from claiming absolute authority.

Philippe II, Duc d’Orléans

• Became regent after Louis XIV's death in September 1715.

• Influential in annulling Louis XIV's will to implement polysynody, a council-based government.

• Attempted to curb the power of the nobility by establishing a system promoting high nobility's authority through councils.

Religious Changes

• Under Louis XV as king, Laws against Protestants were enforced again after his coronation.

• The persecution of Protestants varied, with some regions experiencing a revival of religious practices.

• Languedoc, Dauphiné, Guyenne, and Poitou became notable regions for Protestant worship.

Artistic Developments in the Régence

Characteristics of Régence Style

• The Régence period's artistic work is less heavy and more graceful than earlier Baroque designs.

• Introduction of curved forms; notably the Cabriole leg shape in furniture design.

Influential Artists

• Juste-Aurèle Meissonier (1695–1750)

  • Produced numerous engravings showcasing designs incorporating flowing curves and natural motifs, influencing the Régence and its succeeding periods.

Transition to Rococo

Rococo Style Definition

• The term Rococo characterizes the decorative styles during the reign of Louis XV (1723–74).

• Rococo is known for its delicate, light, and florid design featuring flowing curves, particularly in interior design and furniture.

• The craze for chinoiserie, showing a fascination with Asian aesthetics, significantly impacted the style.

Key Rococo Artists

Gilles-Marie Oppenordt

• Official architect to Philippe II, known for his innovative designs.

François Antoine Vassé

• Notable for his work on a grand fireplace surround in Versailles, reflecting the Rococo style.

Jean Antoine Watteau

• Pioneered early Rococo painting, known for themes of love and flirtation within gardens (fêtes galantes).

• Influenced later artists like Boucher and Fragonard.

Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin

• Renowned for still lifes and intimate genre scenes, contrasting the lighter themes of Rococo.

François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard

• Boucher fused mythological themes with pastoral scenes, while Fragonard emphasized gaiety and sensuality in his works.

Rococo Sculpture

• Sculptural style was generally smaller and enriched interior designs, often featuring pastoral and mythological themes.

• Rococo sculptures often utilized materials such as terracotta and porcelain, particularly in delicate designs.

Influence of Rococo

• Rococo swiftly spread beyond France, influencing architectural and decorative arts in Germany and Austria; notably seen in works by François Cuvilliés.

• Germaine Boffrand and Gabriel contributed significant advancements in Rococo architecture and interior design.

Characteristics of Rococo Interiors

1. Planned intimate spaces for specific uses.

2. Use of pastel colors and ornate decorations, including asymmetrical designs.

3. Common elements include fancy fireplaces, patterned carpets, and ornate wall decorations.

4. The Hôtel de Soubise as a prime example of Rococo interior architecture with its stucco works and gilding.

Furniture Design

• Rococo furniture emphasized comfort with elegantly curved designs and elaborate decorations, reflecting a lighter aesthetic than Baroque.

• Introduction of functional furniture pieces like coffee tables and writing desks that served multiple purposes.

Furniture Elements and Styles

Types of Chairs and Tables

• Various chairs like fauteuils, bergères, and functional tables (gaming, serving).

• Marquise, canapé, and other forms emerged to cater to changing social customs.

• Characteristically smaller and lighter compared to previous styles, adorned with elaborate floral and shell motifs.

Conclusion

• Rococo art and design reflected the hedonistic spirit of the French court, exhibiting a shift away from austere Baroque forms.

• It marked a significant evolution in style that valued ornate elegance, intimacy in decoration, and light-hearted themes, concluding abruptly with the onset of the French Revolution.