Art History

The beginning of the 18th century saw the death of King Louis XIV of France, The Sun King. Louis had been known for the relatively tight grip he held on the aristocracy; keeping them close and on a short leash around Versailles. With his death the aristocracy were able to return to the pleasures of city living while they sought to regain powers that had been restricted during The Sun King’s reign. This new freedom and resurgence of power also engendered a resurgence of art patronage. The art style emerging from this time, Rococo, is reflective of the aristocracy’s return to power, prestige and opulent tastes.

The pleasures enjoyed by the aristocracy were often featured in artwork commissioned by them. They desired to see something lovely and lighthearted that corresponded with their lifestyle. The Swing by Fragonard depicts a young woman being pushed higher and higher on a swing by an old man as a young gentlemen lays obscured in the bushes beneath her. There is a flirtatious air to the picture, and a delightful dash of intrigue when one notices the eyeline of the young man combined with the cupid statue putting a finger to its lips, insinuating that the viewers are now in on a secret. Having leisure time to spend outside in such pursuits is distinctly aristocratic, as is the lush swathes of fabric that make up the young lady’s opulent gown. This is a scene marketed towards its aristocratic patrons — those who could relate to such events.

The 18th century also saw the birth of the Enlightenment, and with it an increase in discussion, education and salons. Hosting these salons were impressive women; learned, clever, and wealthy they gathered intellectual minds into their homes for discussion, debate and banter. These women dominated the social sphere and as such their tastes can be seen reflected in the feminine styling of their social spaces. Delicate tendrils trace graceful arches, all gilded in gold. Elegant furniture poses sumptuously around rooms, small treasures and statues dot tabletops and mantles; displays of wealth, learning and power tastefully arranged for the viewing pleasure of guests.

Salon de la princesse is an excellent example of such opulent architecture. The room features gilded moldings sprawling like vines up and around the features of the room, whose lines have been softened and multiplied by the multiple mirrors throughout. The area seems permanently decorated for festivities, and one could argue it suits its purpose. Hosting intellectual minds this room reflects back the delicate yet intricate workings of Parisian social life and the opulence of the aristocracy who enjoyed it. It is distinctly feminine,the floral patterns calling back to the female hostesses who gathered intellectuals to their homes.

 

Discussion Question: Rococo art is often described as frivolous, does that make it unimportant? Why or Why not?