Rococo Aesthetic

Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing” is a painting you and others may know and recognize. Whether that is from the overall composition, colors or extravagant amount of detail, this painting is studied and admired by many. But, what sets it apart from other known artworks like the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci or Van Gough’s “Starry Night”? To me, it is the Rococo aesthetic emulated from its movement of that time. 

Developed in France during the early 1700’s, the Rococo aesthetic was made to invigorate the senses through the use of over-the-top decorations and elaborate designs. It is often characterized by its elegance and curving forms, elaborate and asymmetrical elements, pastel colors, and overall playful subjects or intentions. This directly contrasts the previous Baroque aesthetic in France characterized by dramatic intentions, vivid lighting/shadows, and symmetrical or geometric patterns. 

A key figure in formulating the Rococo aesthetic was François Boucher, known for his paintings, portraiture and all manners of decorative arts. He adopted a masterful palette of blues and pinks that carried over to etchings, porcelain, tapestries and fashion. This widespread use of Rococo aesthetic choices made by Boucher became the guide for many artists of this era as he held the position of first painter to the King and director of the Royal Academy in France.

He was known for his use of color and sensuality that make up the foundation of Rococo aesthetics. As seen in one of his remarkable paintings, Portrait of Madame de Pompadour, François Boucher captured feminine beauty and delicacy through alluring uses of form and decor. The youthfulness of his subject and elegance of a dress lavishly decorated in lace, ribbons and roses showcases the desirability of such aesthetics.

François Boucher, Portrait of Madame de Pompadour, 1756

From fashion to furniture, Rococo took over the French aesthetic and spread to many parts of Europe. One of the more notable designers for this period was Englishman Thomas Chippendale, harnessing the Rococo aesthetic and paving the way for hand-crafted furniture design.

Above: Thomas Chippendale, Mahogany Ribbonback Chairs, 1700’s

Below: Thomas Chippendale, Commode and Lamp Stands, (1753-1754)

Known for his book, “The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director” written during the Rococo period, Chippendale brought a new understanding to intricate designs and detail of the Rococo aesthetic. Some of his trademarks include the use of dark woods like walnut, cherry and mahogany along with carved interlacing ribbon-like elements. 

More of these furniture and decorative elements spread throughout the entirety of building interiors. The prominent use of the salon, a room for entertaining and impressing guests, showcased extensive amounts of gilded wood, motifs, mirrors and gold plate reliefs. All of this within a circular room of curves, organic forms and intricately painted ceilings truly emphasized the maximalist approach that the Rococo aesthetic represented. One of the most known paintings is on the ceiling of the Salon of Hercules’ located in Versailles. Painted by François Lemoyne, the Apotheosis of Hercules fits the Rococo aesthetic with its elegantly flowing shapes, pastel colors and poetic nature. 

Above: Charles-Joseph Natoire and Germain Boffrand’s La Salon de la Princesse, 1735-1740

Below: François Lemoyne, the Apotheosis of Hercules, 1731-1736

Following the height of Rococo aesthetics in the 1780’s and 90’s, the French Revolution took over much of the European identity and many of the arts followed. Opting for simpler silhouettes and reviving Greek orders and motifs, Neoclassicism brought the ornamentation, intricacy and extravagance that Rococo emulated to an end. 

Citations:

Glancey, Jonathan. Architecture A Visual History. DK Publication, 2017.

Seiferie, Rebecca. “Rococo Movement Overview and Analysis.” The Art Story, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chippendale

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Chippendale.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chippendale

Stein, Perrin. “François Boucher (1703 – 1770).” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bouc/hd_bouc.htm

Martynova, Kateryna. “Essential Facts About François Boucher.” DailyArt Magazine, 2023. https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/francois-boucher/