What are the differences between Baroque & Rococo styles?

In the past, history presented us with many talented artists that left their mark on the cultural heritage. Most of the modern artists are no match to the masters of the past, who created almost eternal works with great value.

Especially, during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Those times were the peak of both — art and architecture. What are the similarities and the main differences between these two styles — you will find them in this article.

The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599–1600) by Caravaggio.

Origins of Baroque & Rococo

In the birth of Baroque that happened during the 17th-century, you can see a strong religious motif. When Europe was in the midst of Reformation and the Roman Catholic Church was in decline, its leaders decided to use art as a kind of propaganda tool against the rising Protestant movements.

Such an idea was a logical one to try. Protestantism was something new and interesting for the people in terms of its idea, but the image of it was grey and bleak. The Vatican gave the artists “green light” so they could create inspiring paintings, sculptures, and architecture gems that would captivate the minds of the faithful.

The idea was to present Catholicism as something majestic and beautiful. Since the Pope gave his blessing to such a promotional tool, most of the Catholic European royal families took heed and invited famous artists to create beautiful artworks.

The origins of Rococo were different, and this style was born about 100 years after Baroque, at the beginning of the 18th-century. This time, the trendsetter was the French monarchy and aristocracy, and not the Roman Catholic Church. Rococo became a less formal style, and you could find its examples not only in the royal residences and churches but also in the private residences of the French bourgeois. Initially, Rococo was just an element of decoration that eventually grew into a separate and well-recognizable style.

European monarchs and aristocrats loved the Rococo style, and they were ready to pay large sums of money to painters and architects to improve their residences. First, it was just France, but soon the Rococo style conquered other European lands, and nowadays, you can see many examples in Spain, Germany, Poland, Russia, and other countries.

The Differences Between Baroque & Rococo

The Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Palace — the gem of Baroque period.

Baroque did always amaze with its majestic nature and dramatism in artworks, as well as in the architecture.

The characters displayed in the paintings and sculptures usually had their sights directed towards the sky, as they would look for a God. The display of emotions was important. Spirituality, drama, and deep feelings. You can see those in artworks with religious motifs, as well as in various genre scenes.

The Baroque architecture presented some new elements in the decorations of the royal palaces and Catholic churches and cathedrals. These elements were based on the Renaissance period’s influence — huge columns and domes that got a completely new look during the Baroque period.

The decorations and ornaments of Baroque were majestic, but they still retained some symmetry and looked relatively formal. To create a more impressive visual effect, artists used the trompe-l’œil effect on the dome paintings of churches and cathedrals. It was an optical illusion created by skillful painters who did their works as they would be alive.

Rococo, on the opposite, was a less formal and open style. In paintings, religious motifs were not that popular anymore and painters usually asked for more light, genre scenes that involved the aristocracy. If Baroque motifs were more strict and religiously themed, then Rococo was all about love, fun, and mythological motifs. Painters often used warm pastel tones in their works to make them even more colorful.

Cartouche was one of the key decorative elements of the Rococo period.

In architecture and decorations, Rococo brought some very complex and asymmetric forms. This style looked even more majestic than Baroque because of its complexity and unusual decorative shapes.

Those often lacked any sense, but artists had total freedom and their creative minds led to the creation of works that looked both — very complex and light. Those unique decorative elements were present not only in paintings and architecture but also in 18th-century furniture, porcelain, and clothing.

In conclusion, you can look at both of these styles as two sides of one medal. They both have their similarities and some common characteristics.

Baroque was the one to start the trend for majestic and highly impressive artworks, while Rococo period artists managed to go even further and reach the peak of art. Rococo without a doubt — remains the most eccentric and colorful period in the history of art and architecture.

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