Rococo art is a style of European art that flourished between the 1730s and 1780s.

It was an outgrowth of Baroque art, but its emphasis on lightness, elegance and grace distinguishes it from its predecessor.

Rococo artists rejected the seriousness and grandeur of previous styles, instead favoring flamboyant colors, asymmetrical designs and elaborate ornamentation.

The word “rococo” comes from the French adjective meaning “curled” or “decorated with scrolls.

” The term was first used in English literature in 1819 by British writer William Hazlitt (1778-1830), who described rococo as having been “the mode” during his childhood years in France (1778-1787).

He also referred to it as being “full of whimsicalities.”

Rococo Art in France

The Rococo style originated in France and spread across Europe.

The word “rococo” comes from the French word “rocaille,” meaning shell-like, which refers to the ornate designs found on many Rococo pieces.

Rococo artists were known for their use of color and light; they often painted scenes with soft pastel hues, as well as bright colors like reds and greens.

They also used gold leaf on their paintings to add sparkle and shine!

Rococo art was popular in France during the reigns of Louis XV (1715-1774) and Louis XVI (1754-1793).

Some famous Rococo artists include Boucher, Fragonard, and Watteau.

Rococo Art In Germany

The Rococo art movement developed in Germany during the 18th century.

Rococo artists were inspired by French artists and their work was influenced by nature, as well as Greek and Roman mythologies.
The most famous German Rococo artists include:

  • Johann Joachim Kaendler (1727-1779),
  • Johann Georg Wille (1694-1757),
  • Johann Christian Fiedler (1699-1759).

Rococo Art In Italy

The Rococo style was developed in Italy by artists such as Francesco Guardi and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

These artists were known for their use of light and color, which they used to create a sense of movement in their paintings.

They also often depicted scenes from everyday life, such as marketplaces or festivals.

   

Rococo artists were most active during the 18th century, when they produced works that reflected the ideals of the Enlightenment period (an intellectual movement that emphasized reason over religion).

Many Rococo paintings feature beautiful women wearing elaborate gowns or dresses with flowing lines;

these images were meant to represent female freedom from traditional roles within society–something that was becoming more common during this time period.

Rococo Art In England

Rococo art in England was a rich and varied development of the style, with artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and William Hogarth leading the way.

Gainsborough (1727-88) painted portraits of some of England’s most aristocratic families but also landscapes that show his love for nature.

His painting The Morning Walk shows two gentlemen walking in Hyde Park under an overcast sky;

they are dressed in their Sunday best, but their expressions show they are bored by their surroundings.

This is typical of Rococo art:

it celebrates beauty but often mocks its subjects’ attempts at refinement or elegance.

Hogarth (1697-1764) was another great English painter who used satire to make fun of society’s foibles through his caricatures–satirical drawings or paintings that exaggerate someone’s features so they look ridiculous.

In one series called Marriage A La Mode he portrayed an aristocrat marrying beneath him socially because he needs money; another showed how drinking too much could ruin your health!

   

Rococo Art In Spain

Spain was the birthplace of rococo art. The movement began in the late 17th century and lasted until the mid-18th century.
The most famous Rococo artists from Spain include:

  • Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) – He painted portraits, still lifes, and landscapes that were known for their realism and emotionality.
  • His work also included political cartoons criticizing Spanish society at the time.
  • Juan de Valdes Leal (1622-1690) – He was one of Spain’s first professional painters who specialized in religious scenes based on biblical stories or historical events such as.
  • Martyrdoms by Christians during Roman times when they refused to worship pagan gods such as Jupiter or Venus instead of God Himself. This style became known as Baroque because it emphasized drama over elegance

Rococo Art In Austria

Rococo art is a style of painting and decoration that flourished in Europe during the 18th century.

Rococo artists were known for their use of pastel colors and intricate designs, often including gold leaf, as well as their use of lighthearted subject matter and themes.

The term “rococo” comes from the French word rocaille (meaning “shell”), which was used to describe an ornate style of ornamentation popular during this time period.


The development of rococo art in Austria began with Johann Baptist Zimmermann (1680-1766), who studied under Louis Boullogne at Antwerp before moving to Vienna where he became court painter for Emperor Charles VI.

While working at the Viennese court he developed his own personal style that was heavily influenced by Flemish art but incorporated elements from other countries such as Italy and France as well.

[1] In addition to being an artist himself, Zimmermann taught many other notable painters including Anton Joseph von Prenner (1721-1799).[2] Other notable Rococo artists include Johann Michael Rottmayr (1709-1767) who painted portraits;

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783) who created sculptures depicting psychological states;

Ignaz Gebhardt von Schaller und Hohenberg (1730-1802) who worked primarily on frescoes;

   

Johann Baptist Strauch SJ (* 1748 + 1825) who created religious paintings;

Josef Moll SJ (* 1751 + 1829) whose work focused mainly on landscapes; Ignaz von Seyfarth (* 1746 + 1819).