Quote: "It combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colours, sculpted moulding, and trompe-l'œil frescoes."
Examines the most iconic Rococo structures, including the Palace of Versailles, the Würzburg Residence, and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Rococo Architecture: Introduction to Rococo architecture and its characteristics, including emphasis on decorative elements, asymmetry, and playful curves.
Rococo Design Influences: An explanation of the influences on Rococo design, including the Baroque style, the natural world, and Chinoiserie.
Historical Context: An overview of the historical context of Rococo architecture, including social, cultural, and political factors that influenced its development.
Rococo Interior Design: The ornate and refined interior design of Rococo structures featuring luxurious fabrics, ornate furniture, and delicate forms.
Rococo Sculpture: Sculptural elements of Rococo architecture, including the use of cherubs, putti, and other decorative figures.
Rococo Landscape Design: An exploration of Rococo landscape design, which often featured whimsical and playful elements such as fountains, grottoes, and topiary.
Famous Rococo Structures: A look at significant Rococo structures around the world, including the Palace of Versailles, Wurzburg Residenz, and Zwinger Palace.
Interiors of Famous Rococo Structures: A focus on the inside of famous Rococo structures and its luxury and grandeur.
Rococo Artists and Architects: Key figures in Rococo architecture and design, including architects such as Boffrand, Germain Boffrand, and Gabriel, and decorative artists such as François Boucher and Clodion.
Rococo Legacy: Examination of the influence of Rococo architecture on later design movements, including neoclassicism and art nouveau.
Palaces: Large, opulent buildings designed for wealthy nobles and rulers, typically featuring grand ballrooms, intricate ornamentation, and expansive gardens.
Churches: Rococo churches often feature ornate decorative elements such as elaborate plasterwork, frescoes, and decorative painting. These structures were typically commissioned by wealthy patrons in order to showcase their wealth and prestige.
Public Buildings: Municipal buildings, such as town halls and courthouses, also sometimes took on Rococo elements in their design. Some notable examples include the Residenz in Wurzburg, Germany, and the Royal Palace of Caserta outside Naples, Italy.
Private Residences: Many Rococo-style houses were built for wealthy aristocrats and bourgeoisie in the 18th century. These homes typically featured elaborate decoration, including carvings, gilding, and plasterwork.
Garden Pavilions: Rococo-style garden pavilions were usually designed as an extension of a larger garden, and often took on fantastical and whimsical shapes, such as temples, grottos, and Chinese-style pagodas.
Tombs and Mausoleums: Rococo tombs and mausoleums were constructed as memorials for aristocrats and noblemen, and typically featured ornate sculpture and intricate carvings. The St. Hubertus Mausoleum in Belgium is a notable example of Rococo tomb architecture.
Theaters: Rococo-style theaters were designed to be opulent, grand spaces that could accommodate large audiences. These theaters were often decorated with painted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and gilded molding.
Fountains: Rococo-style fountains were designed as grand centerpiece works for large public spaces. These fountains often featured intricate sculpture and detailed carved decoration.
Bridges: Rococo bridges were often designed to connect private estates or gardens over small bodies of water. These bridges often featured ornate decoration, such as carving, painting, and gilding.
Quote: "The Rococo style began in France in the 1730s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style."
Quote: "The Rococo style began in France in the 1730s."
Quote: "It soon spread to other parts of Europe, particularly northern Italy, Austria, southern Germany, Central Europe and Russia."
Quote: "It also came to influence other arts, particularly sculpture, furniture, silverware, glassware, painting, music, and theatre."
Quote: "Although originally a secular style primarily used for interiors of private residences..."
Quote: "The Rococo had a spiritual aspect to it which led to its widespread use in church interiors, particularly in Central Europe, Portugal, and South America."