18th century Rococo architecture was a lighter, more graceful and
decorative version of Baroque architecture.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE [ edit ]
Distinguish Rococo art from its Baroque predecessor
KEY POINTS [ edit ]
In architecture, Rococo is often referred to as Late Baroque, as it came into existence during the
final period of the Baroque style, and there is often some overlap between the two styles during
this time.
Rococo style emphasizes asymmetry, extreme ornamentation, light colors, frivolity, and
numerous curves.
Among the best examples of Rococo architecture are the Benedictine Ottobeuren Abbey, the
Weltenberg Monastery, and Asam Church in Munich.
The greatest examples of Rococo church decoration are seen in the churches of southern
Germany, Bohemia and Austria.
Rococo church interiors are flamboyantly decorated, with bright painting on the walls and ceiling
and a great deal of ornamental sculpture.
TERMS [ edit ]
jocular
Humorous, amusing or joking.
motif
A recurring or dominant element in a work of art.
cherub
A statue or other depiction of an angel, typically in the formof a winged child.
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Rococo
Introduction
Rococo architecture, popular during the
18th century in Europe, was a lighter,
more graceful and decorative version of
Baroque architecture. The styles are,
however, quite similar and can be difficult
to tell apart. In architecture, Rococo is
often referred to as Late Baroque. It came
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into existence during the final period of
the Baroque style, and there is often some overlap between the two styles during this time.
Differing use of symmetry is a notable distinction between Rococo and Baroque; the Rococo
style emphasized asymmetry, while Baroque emphasized perfectly balanced and symmetrical
forms. Rococo style can also be recognized by its many curves and elaborate decoration, as
well as the use of lighter colors than we see in the Baroque style.
Thematically, Baroque architecture was based in religion, and therefore more serious than
Rococo, which was concerned with notions of frivolity and jocular themes. Italian architects
of the early 18th century were brought to Catholic Germany, Bohemia, and Austria by local
princes and bishops. Their work represents the height of Rococo church interiors,
characterized by a prevalence of cherubs and the interaction of painting, sculpture, and the
elaborate and delicate detailing on the walls and ceiling.
There are numerous examples of Rococo architecture throughout Europe. Prominent
buildings include the Queluz National Palace in Portugal and the Charlottenburg Palace in
Germany. The Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in Berlin, Germany, and was built
and decorated using both the Rococo and Baroque styles. The Sanssouci Palace, which was
built as the summer palace for Frederick the Great, was also created in the Rococo style. Its
very name, "sans souci," means "without worries" or "carefree," which indicates the
core values of the Rococo ideology. Another indication that the palace is Rococo in style is its
relatively intimate size and highly ornate decoration .
Sans Souci Palace
Exterior of the Sans Souci Palace.
Religions Decoration
The greatest examples of Rococo church decoration are seen in southern Germany. There has
been some controversy regarding the frivolity and excess of the Rococo style as being
inappropriate for the sacredness of a church. Rococo style was generally thought to be
inappropriate for the outside of a church, but it was considered acceptable at times for the
church interior, though that style choice is seen most often in Southern Germany. Rococo
church interiors often feature multiple vaults and structures within structures, abstractshell
designs, natural motifs, frescoes, and stucco­work. Among the best examples are the
Benedictine Ottobeuren Abbey, the Weltenberg Monastery, and the Asam Church in Munich
. The interiors of these churches are flamboyantly decorated with bright painting on the walls
and ceiling, and there is an excess of ornamental sculpture.
Asam Church in Munich, Germany
The interior of the Asam Church is flamboyantly decorated with bright painting on the walls and ceiling,
and there is an excess of ornamental sculpture.