Key Takeaways
- Baroque and rococo are two styles in art and architecture popular during the 15th to 18th centuries, with rococo being more delicate and feminine than baroque.
- Baroque originated in 15th century Italy as a response to the Protestant movement and is known for depicting violence and darkness, while rococo emerged in 18th century France as a revolt against the dull and solemn baroque designs of the royal courts.
- Both styles were created for noble mansions, monarchies, and churches, and are characterized by heavy ornamentation, curvaceous cabriole style legs, sculptural S- and C-scrolls, complex carvings, and an Asian influence.
Baroque – Meaning, Origin and Features
The term “Baroque” is believed to have Latin roots, meaning rough or imperfect pearl. Informally, it refers to something detailed and sophisticated. First applied to arts in 15th century Italy from 1595 to 1750, it emerged as a reaction of Catholic artists to the newly emerged Protestant movement. Although the movement began in Italy, it quickly spread throughout Europe. Baroque art is often seen as depicting violence and darkness.
Rococo – Meaning, Origin and Features
The term “Rococo” is derived from the Latin word for shell. Many artists argue that it refers to the decorative motives derived from things like sea shells, coral, and foliage. This art form began in France around the 1720s, specifically at the end of Louis XIV’s reign (d.1715), and rapidly spread across Europe. It is also known to have emerged during the last phase of the Baroque movement. Rococo style is considered a revolt against the dull and solemn Baroque designs of the royal courts of France in Versailles and is distinguished by its elegant refinement, involving different materials like shells to give a delicate touch to art. With this delicate touch, Rococo art was famous for its light-hearted feminine and unusual style-less focus.
Similarities Between Baroque and Rococo
The commonalities between the two art forms include their time span (from the 15th to the 17th centuries), their use of heavy ornamentation, curvaceous cabriole style legs, sculptural S- and C-scrolls, complex carvings, and an Asian influence in furniture. Both styles also used framed canvas paintings and fresco-style architectural paintings as trimmings for interiors, luxurious fabrics like lush velvet and damask, color and sensitively motivated artwork that leans on viewers at every sight, and designs that praise the power and authority of building owners and nobles.
What is the difference between Baroque and Rococo?
Baroque is a major architectural movement, while Rococo is a subset of the movement. Baroque furniture is strictly symmetrical, while Rococo furniture is more delicate, feminine, and asymmetrical. Baroque paintings are dramatic and theatrical, with a strong sense of movement, darker colors, and a focus on Catholic dogma, while Rococo paintings feature pastel colors, sinuous curves, and lighter subjects of mythology, romantic love, and portraiture. Baroque art often has religious themes, while Rococo themes are related to nobility and aristocracy.
When comparing the two forms, it becomes clear that Baroque is heavier and darker than Rococo style. However, Rococo is a form of art that evolved through the artistic styles of Baroque.
