Class 2--The Rococo and Watteau Flashcards
Bon Goût
Refers to “good taste.” Typically meant curvilinear lines and elegance during the Rococo.
Louis XV
This is the name of the King during the Rococo age. He was the great-grandson of Louis XIV and his successor to the throne, but was only 4 when Louis XIV died. Thus, his uncle Duc d’Orleans ruled as regent until he was of age. This king was not absolutist like his great-grandfather—rather, he was concerned with his own privacy, and mostly had a council rule the country.
Rococo
A hedonistic artistic age focused on the decorative arts and tailored to the celebratory interests of the Aristocracy, who were newly-freed from Versaille after the death of Louis XIV. Sexual/playful themes, curvilinear lines, and stylized nature were typical of this artistic movement. It is named after Rocaille (irregularly shaped shell).
Hôtel
This refers to a French Townhouse. An example is the elaborately decorated Hôtel de Varengeville, attributed to Nicholas PIneau.
Locus amoenus
A Latin term meaning that pleasure that has not been had—love that is frustrated or not “meant.” This is a common theme in the Rococo to bring a bit of a melancholy tone to the otherwise more frivolous sexual themes of the Rococo.
Arcadia
One of the most popular locations for the scenes of Rococo paintings. The term was first captured by Greek Historian Polybius; it is meant to refer to a golden age and an outdoor area where shepherds may be, a perfect pastoral setting similar to a garden of Eden.
Locus Uberimus
A Latin term referring to a sense of fertility, richness and movement, often involving sexual tension. This is a common theme for Fragonard’s art, such as that seen in his work The Swing, where both the sitter and nature seem to be in movement (often erotic in theme).
Otium
A Latin word referring to ease, and theme for Rococo painting marked by tranquility and low energy. This languid air can be in spite of the subject matter; for example, Boucher’s The Rape of Europa depicts what would usually be very exciting and scary scene as relaxed and casual.
Fête Galante
A new genre of art created by Watteau. Rather than depicting named individuals, it is a poetic subject including well-dressed members of society pursuing love, music, and conversation in an Arcadian setting.
Commedia dell’Arte
An acting troop coming from Italy that established themselves in Paris. They became the symbol of acting in the 18th century, and were recognized by their use of character “types” and the invention of improvised sketches. They are also responsible for the advent of actresses. Offended Louis XIV, but returned in the 18th century.
Louis XV (painting)
Hyacinthe Rigaud
Hôtel de Varengeville
Nicholas Pineau
Commode
Nicholas Pineau
Hôtel de Soubise
Germain Boffrand
Voulez-vous triompher des belles? (Do You Want to Succeed with Women?)
Jean-Antoine Watteau
