Ch. 17: Rococo and Neoclassical Styles in 18 th Century Art and Enlightened Absolutism

Birth of Rococo Style – Hotels of Paris

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As lavish interior decoration in early 18 th century

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Built by French aristocracy as Parisian houses

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Small, ornate interiors painted in pastels

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Held salons of the philosophes

Embarkation for Cythera

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Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1717

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“fete galante” – elegant scene in idyllic country

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Aristocracy at play, in stages of courtship

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Rococo in lavish dress, pastel color, soft light

Madame de Pompadour

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c. 1758

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Francois Boucher

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Louis XV’s mistress

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Rococo called “style of Louis XV”

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Elegant dress with flowers, ribbons, lace and jewels

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Book and pen hint at her intelligence

Portrait of Marie-Louise O’Murphy

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1752

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Francois Boucher

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Louis XV’s mistress

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Rococo in use of elegant fabrics, pastel colors, soft light

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Carefree, seductive

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Overly ambitious in attempt to oust Pompadour

La Gimblette

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c. 1770 Jean-Honore Fragonard

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Continues portrayal of rich at play

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Extreme frivolity of nude teasing pet

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Contrasts with reality

Blindman’s Buff

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c. 1776 Jean-Honore Fragonard Charming, blindfolded woman in idyllic setting Blindfold as symbol for blindness of monarchy Game over soon

Imperial Hall (Kaisarsaal)

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Wurzburg, Bavaria Balthasar Neumann Rococo style moves across Europe Pastels, light, detailed ornamentation

Mary Wollstonecraft

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1759-1797 First English feminist

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Analyzed condition of 18 th cent. women

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Wrote A Vindication of

the Rights of Woman

Declares right to rational education to support independence

Neoclassicism

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Promoted by J. J.

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Winckelmann, right

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Return to antiquity, as seen in ancient images at right

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Morally and politically serious Images of freedom and democracy

The Grand Tour

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Traditional trip of European aristocrats Stops at ancient art and architecture fosters Neoclassicism Common British route began at Dover to Turin, Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples

The Oath of the Horatii

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1784, Neoclassical Jacques-Louis David Ancient themes of self-sacrifice and heroism Patriotism over relationships Separation of brave men, emotional women

The Death of Socrates

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1787, Neoclassical Jacques-Louis David Socrates speaks while reaching for hemlock Heroism in choosing death over exile Classic setting with chiaroscuro

Pantheon (Paris)

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Begun 1758 as Jesuit church J. G. Soufflot Neoclassical in columns, dome, relief sculpture Burial place for heroes of French Revolution

Bust of Voltaire

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1778

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French Neoclassical sculptor Houdon

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Form, style from ancient Rome Facial expression of enlightened thinker who stood for social and personal freedom

Benjamin Franklin

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1778 Jean-Antoine Houdon His first depiction of American thinker

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Shows French fascination with Franklin

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Pensive expression