Decorative style - 18th century
Oxford definition of Rococo - excessively or tastelessly decorative or florid.
Expresses the British attitude towards this art.
A Rococo Leda and The Swan
The Swan is Jupiter whom impregnates Leda who lays two
eggs. Pagan union with God. Similiar to Medici tomb: Night
Goddess Diana by Titian.
Fierce wreaking the landscape. Rococo jewelry of the moon (moon goddess)
Wallis Collection
Artist Boucher. Worked for Madame Pomppador (sp?)
30 yrs ago – no Rococo in painting just architecture and
decorative arts.
Serious Examples
The picture of the irish girl for Louis the XV’s (husband
of Mdm Poppador) pleasure, the expression on her face, not happy, very real, you
feel her fear.
He also talked about Canelletto’s decorative ships (Italian)
Tiepolo
Best Rococo architecture is in Germany, Munich.
Spain – Goya, earlier but sinister – Romantic
Influence in England?? Gainsborough?? Hogarth – laughs at French taste, wrote analysis of beauty, the serpentine line is best!- the Rococo line.