Francisco De Goya

The question may be, why is Goya being spoken about on a Rococo related blog? There is a legit reasoning for my decision. For a class I took a trip to the Wadsworth in Hartford. There I discovered a Goya painting, but not in the fashion people are used to seeing. Goya is known for his dark works, such as Saturn Devouring His Sons. Images similar to this one flash in my mind whenever I hear his name in reference to an artwork.

Suprisingly, at the Wadsworth I found an artwork entitled Gossiping Women. I was drawn to the artwork for its nice shades and lighthearted nature. Gossiping Women held Rococo influences.

This is Gossiping Women (oil on canvas) born by Goya. It is not a Rococo artwork, however, it holds Rococo influences. The light colors used for the clothing and the lighthearted nature/subject of the painting are both Rococo related. Compared to Goya's Saturn Devouring His Sons the painting of the women is very bright. It is nothing like the Goya the world is used to seeing. Rococo came about into the world the same way. No one was prepared for the elegant and pastel loving style of the Rococo world.

Rococo Period

The Rococo style did not solely stick with the fine arts. Political life and morals changed with the style. France turned away from imperial aspirations to focus on the personal and pleasurable aspects. The style spread across Europe, and while it may have had a short run, there are lasting influences in architecture today.



This is a picture from the Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence). Churches was just one of the many mediums of the Rococo style. As stated in the previous post, the whites and golds are visibly present. It is very decorative and elegant.

The Meeting

The Meeting born by Jean-Honore Fragonard. The painting depicts a secret encounter between a young man and his sweetheart. The lady is looking anxiously over her shoulder to be sure she is not being followed. In one of her hands is a letter. The letter is the one she received to that arranged this.

It can be said that this painting portrays everything that the Rococo Period was about. The style is characterized by pastel colors, a whimsical light-hearted mood, dainty figures, and curving forms. Most people may recognize the art style within paintings, but Rococo originated in French architectural decoration. The typical Rococo elements within architectural decorations were characterized by flowing lines and swirling shapes. Silver and gold against white or pastel color and mirror reflections were part of the new look. Rococo style was favored by aristocracy. Rococo is an artform which is devoted to enjoyment and superficial pleasures.

Information taught by; Stokstad, Marilyn. Art History Volume Two. Third Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc., 2008. Print.