The similarities of Rococo and Baroque design often cause confusion between the two styles. But along with many aesthetic differences, Baroque is classified as a major architectural movement while Rococo emerged as a subset of it, dealing primarily with interior design, the arts and even theater, developed by craftsmen, artists and designers instead of architects. Rococo's style emerged during the last phase of the Baroque movement as a more of a light-hearted feminine and whimsical style less focused on the serious, religious tone of Baroque art and architecture. Despite the intent of revolt against its predecessor, Rococo does share a number of similarities with Baroque style.
Commonality in Time
Because the Rococo style developed during the last phase of the Baroque movement, the styles share a similar timeline in history, as both were relevant during much of the 1700s.The Rococo style originated as a revolt against the dull and solemn Baroque designs of the royal courts of France in Versailles. Rather than rebuild their homes and chateaus, wealthy patrons remodeled the interiors with elaborate plasterwork, murals, tapestries, mirrors, furniture, porcelain and silk in a lighter, more feminine style. Buildings such as the Palace of Versailles still featured the characteristics of Baroque architecture while having Rococo style interiors.
Similarities in Furniture
At first glance, Baroque and Rococo furniture styles seem almost indistinguishable from one another. Heavy ornamentation, curvaceous cabriole style legs, sculptural S- and C-scrolls and intricate carvings of leaves and shells can be found on both styles of furniture. Baroque and Rococo furniture designs also share some Asian influences. The similarities in appearance mean you could easily use either style interchangeably or combined together for an opulent look in a room, but it's important to note the differences as well. Rococo furniture is more delicate and feminine than Baroque furniture, featuring more slender legs, more organically formed seats with wider arms and an emphasis on asymmetry, whereas Baroque furniture is strictly symmetrical.
Another similarity Rococo and Baroque styles share is the common use of framed canvas paintings and fresco-style architectural paintings as embellishments for interiors. Both styles are heavily influenced by the arts and each style has an association with famous artists. Rococo paintings feature pastel colors, sinuous curves and lighter subjects of mythology, romantic love and portraiture. Famous names in Rococo art include Francois Boucher, known for opulent paintings of self-indulgence and Giambattista Tiepolo, who created fabulous wall and ceiling fresco paintings. Baroque paintings are much more dramatic and theatrical with a strong sense of movement, darker colors and a focus on key elements of Catholic dogma. Famous Baroque artists include Pietro da Cortano, a trompe l’oeil style ceiling fresco painter and Peter Paul Rubens, who created the well-known masterpiece, “Massacre of the Innocents.”
Opulent furnishings and exuberant decor are common characteristics of Baroque and Rococo decorating styles. Each style features luxurious fabrics including lush velvet and damask, while Rococo interiors also use brocatelle and flowered or painted silks. Motifs inspired by nature such as scrolling acanthus leaves, scrolling floral elements and shells adorn furniture and plaster molding along ceilings and walls. Large candelabras, chandeliers and candle wall sconces illuminate rooms. Ornately framed mirrors with gold gilding accent lavish wall paneling with elaborate floral carvings. While both styles exhibit extravagant ornamentation, Rococo has a lighter, more fluid, organic feel. The bold, contrasting colors of Baroque interiors gave way to the lighter shades of ivory, gold and pastel hues of Rococo style rooms.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: Style Guide: Rococo
- Worldguide: The Baroque (circa 1600 – 1750) Furniture Styles of Europe: From Renaissance to the Present
- Adrienne Chinn: Notes for Students and Fans of Louis XV and French Rococo
- Triton College: PowerPoint Presentation INT211 07A Baroque
- National Gallery of Art: 18th-Century France — The Rococo and Watteau
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