Rococo and Neoclassicism: Defining 18th Century Art Styles
The 18th Century: Enlightenment and Artistic Transformation
The influence of the Enlightenment made the 18th century a period of great cultural change. In Europe, Enlightenment ideas were spread through primary schools and schools for the applied arts, including glassmaking and pottery. Art became more than a decorative element for palaces. New museums allowed ordinary people to enjoy art as well. This era saw the emergence of two distinctive new styles: Rococo and Neoclassicism.
Rococo Style (1730s–1760s)
Rococo was popular in Europe from the 1730s to the 1760s. It reflected the aesthetic tastes of the nobility, who desired homes and decorations that represented the joys of life and leisure.
Rococo Architecture and Interiors
Rococo interiors are elaborately decorated, especially with curves, seashells, and floral elements. In French, these decorative motifs are called rocaille, which is the origin of the name ‘Rococo’. A number of luxurious palaces were built in this style, such as the Hôtel de Soubise in Paris.
Rococo Sculpture
Rococo sculptures are often small and represent joyful and mythological themes. An excellent example is Bouchardon’s Cupid.
Rococo Painting
Pastel colours are used to depict mythological themes, rural festivals, and domestic scenes. The most important Rococo painters include Boucher and Fragonard.
Rococo in Spain
Religious themes are dominant in Spanish Rococo. One of the most notable architectural works is the Gasparini Salon in the Palacio Real in Madrid. The painter Luis Paret used the Rococo style to depict scenes from social life in Spain.
Neoclassicism (1760s–1830s)
Neoclassicism was an artistic style popular in Europe from the 1760s to the 1830s. It imitated classical art and reflected the aesthetic tastes of Enlightenment thinkers, especially the middle classes, who rejected the leisurely life of the nobility and the excessive decoration of the Rococo style. In contrast, Neoclassicism reflected philosophical ideas of order, reason, and moral correctness.
Urban Planning and Modernization
The enlightened monarchs remodelled their cities in order to modernise and beautify them, and improve citizens’ quality of life. With these goals in mind, new boulevards and public squares were built. In addition, infrastructure improvements included the installation of fountains, sewage systems, and street lights.
Neoclassical Architecture
Buildings are well-proportioned and feature classical elements, such as round arches, columns, and domes. An excellent example of this style is the Pantheon in Paris, designed by Soufflot.
Neoclassical Sculpture
Sculptures are usually made of marble and depict mythological themes or famous people. Examples of this style include Houdon’s sculptures of Voltaire and Rousseau.
Neoclassical Painting
Neoclassical painters imitate classical sculptures, so their figures often feature people who look like statues. The themes are frequently mythological or historical, focusing on idealised images of famous people. The most well-known painters include Mengs and Greuze.
Neoclassicism in Spain
Carlos III has been called Madrid’s best mayor because of his efforts to modernise the city. He commissioned several major works:
- Sabatini designed the Puerta de Alcalá.
- Villanueva designed the Gabinete de Ciencias Naturales, which is now the Prado Museum.
- Ventura Rodríguez designed the Cibeles fountain.
The paintings of Bayeu in the Palacio Real in Madrid are an excellent example of Spanish Neoclassical style.