Baroque art developed in the early 1600s in Europe as a reaction against complex Mannerism, featuring more realistic and emotionally affecting styles. It was encouraged by the Catholic Church and developed by artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, and Carracci. In the 18th century, the more elegant and elaborate Rococo style succeeded Baroque, being most popular in France under King Louis XV and exemplified by artists like Fragonard, Boucher, Watteau, and Tiepolo. Rococo was later replaced by Neoclassicism.

1. Baroque & Rococo
Baroque: Baroque Art developed in Europe around 1600, as a
reaction against the intricate and formulaic Mannerism that
dominated the Late Renaissance. Baroque art is less complex,
more realistic and more emotionally
affecting than Mannerist art. This
movement was encouraged by the
Catholic Church, the most important
patron of the arts at that time, being
seen as a return to tradition and
spirituality.
One of the great periods of art
history, Baroque Art was developed
by Caravaggio,Gianlorenzo Bernini and
Annibale Carracci, among others. This
was also the age of Rubens, Rembrandt,
Vermeer and Velázquez.
In the 18th century, Baroque Art was replaced by the more elegant
and elaborate Rococo art style.
Rococo: Rococo Art succeeded Baroque Art in Europe. It was
most popular in France, and is generally associated with the reign of
King Louis XV (1715-1774). It is a light, elaborate and decorative style
of art. Quintessentially Rococo artists
include Jean-Honore Fragonard, François
Boucher, Jean-Antoine Watteau and
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
Rococo was eventually replaced by
Neoclassicism, which was the signature
visual style of Napoleon in France and of
the American revolution.
The Calling of Saint
Matthew, by
Caravaggio, 1599-
1600.(Baroque)
The Flight into Egypt,
by Annibale Carracci,
ca.1603.(Baroque)
The Reader, by Jean-
Honoré Fragonard ,
ca.1770-72.(Rococo)
Fresco from the Royal
Palace of Madrid, by
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo,
ca. 1762-66.(Rococo)