1. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 1
Running head: Rococo and Neoclassical Art
Rococo and Neoclassical Art
Phase #4, Assignment #7, Discussion Board #4
TSgt Loren Karl-Robinson Schwappach
Colorado Technical University
Prepared for Tammy Starzyk
HUM140-0804A-08 Art Appreciation
31 October, 2008

2. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 2
Abstract
From the early 16h to the late 18th century Europe was captivated by a sense of rebirth
and enlightenment, which is why this period, is sometimes referred to as the “Age of Reason”.
In this enlightened period two new forms of art scoped new visions of creativity. Two unique
styles of art were born, the rococo style in the early 1700s and the neoclassical style in the late
1700s. This short essay offers a small glimpse into these two creative styles and tasty sample of
each art form.

3. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 3
Rococo art was born as a 17th century style of French artwork known for its lightness,
delicacy, and decoration. The style quickly spread during the reign of Louis XV throughout
Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. Rococo art is a mixture of asymmetry, the French
“rocaille” or “shell”, due to the rococo styles graceful and delicate shell like curves and the
Italian baroque style, used in 17th century Italian paintings. The baroque style was used deeply
in Christian artwork to illustrate the deeply expressive religious scenes. Rococo art saw its
largest popularity in the early 1730s in France and was quickly replaced in popularity by the late
1780s by neoclassical art, discussed later. Rococo art was prominently used to decorate doors
and windows as well as other ornamental structures. Rococo art is distinguished from other
styles of art through its’ use of soft, delicate, often warm pastel colors and curving forms that
exemplify the form. Rococo art generally displays serene, happy, and romantic scenes, often
depicting the lusting and sinful behaviors of its subjects. The first revolutionary rococo painter is
thought to be Jean-Antoine Watteua.
Watteua’s painting of a Pilgrimage to Cythera (see image 1, below) is a prime example of
the rococo style.
Image 1: Jean-Antoine Watteua: Pilgrimage to Cythera: Rococo style: Image taken on 31 Oct 2008 from
TheCaveOnline.com at http://www.thecaveonline.com/APEH/cythera.html

4. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 4
The Pilgrimage to Cythera illustrates many of the themes of rococo style paintings. The
couples in the painting have been transported to the mythical island of Cythera a land of beauty
and love and desire, home to the Greek goddess of love Venus. In the painting Venus looks over
the couples while her son cupid fires arrows at them. From the light, warm atmosphere, to the
romantic pastels, delicate curves, and sensual theme this painting is a perfect portrayal of the
rococo style.
Neoclassical art appeared in France in the late 1780s as a rigid, severe, and unemotional
alternative style in contrast to the serene, happy, warm, and delicious rococo style and quickly
replaced the rococo style in popularity throughout Europe until it was replaced by romanticism.
The growth of neoclassical art gave credit to the grandeur of ancient Greece and Roman art. The
neoclassical artist used sharp colors, logical patterns, and strict moral themes to capture the
observers’ imaginations. The style personified the period of enlightenment known as the Age of
Reason though it’s much more refined, conservative, moralistic appeal. The Age of Reason
encouraged Europeans that deep human thoughts could conquer all of humanities problems
including social and moral problems this led to a more conservative flair to art as personified by
the Neoclassical style.
One of the most prominent leaders in neoclassical art was Jacques Louis David, and his
painting of the Death of Socrates (see image 2, below) is a perfect example of the style. The
painting illustrates the famous Greek philosopher Socrates in prison surrounded by his many
followers. As illustrated by the painting Socrates was condemned to drink a poisonous hemlock
as a punishment for his radical beliefs. This painting was a lesson of truth, courage, and sacrifice
set for the populace of the French revolution. It encouraged the observer to stand for their

5. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 5
beliefs. Its rigid, severe, serious and moralist structure, as well as the sharp colors used were in
drastic contrast to rococo style art and perfectly exemplifies the neoclassical style.
Image 2: Jacques Louis David: Death of Socrates: Neoclassical style: Image taken on 31 Oct 2008 from
artarhive.com at http://www.artchive.com/artchive/d/david/socrates.jpg.html
In summary the light, delicious, romantic, pastel colored rococo style was in deep
contrast to the dark, moralistic, serious, sharp colored neoclassical style. Both styles offered
amazing new perspectives of arts use in society. My personal favorite is the rococo style due to
the free, truthful, and romantic nature.

6. Rococo and Neoclassical Art 6
References
Stokstad, M. (2007). Art: a brief history (3rd ed.).
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Harden, M. (2008). Neo-Classical Art, Retrieved from Artchive.com on October 31, 2008
at http://www.artchive.com/artchive/neo_classical.html
Cythera (2008). Watteau Pilgrimage to Cythera, Retrieved from TheCaveOnline.com on
October 31, 2008 at http://www.thecaveonline.com/APEH/cythera.html