Rococo architecture emerged in France around 1700 and is classified as part of the late Baroque style art historians. As aristocratic power shifted away from the Palace of Versailles after Louis XIV’s death, the Rococo style evolved. The Rococo architectural style was dominant in interior architecture and is sometimes regarded as feminine. The style eventually spread throughout Europe from France.
Rococo architecture is frequently considered an outgrowth of Baroque architecture art historians. Around 1600, the Baroque style emerged and lasted until around 1750. Art historians consider the Baroque style to be more lively, dramatic, emotional, and ornate than Renaissance art. The façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, completed around 1612, is the most well-known example of Baroque architecture. Rococo architecture incorporated many of the elements of Baroque architecture, but it was more complicated, contrived, and extravagant.
In 1715, Louis XIV passed away. Aristocrats moved away from the court and into the townhouses and hotels of Paris after his death. Around this time, the Rococo style of architecture emerged as aristocrats moved into new homes that they had built and decorated to reflect current tastes.
Some art historians consider the Rococo style to be feminine, which may be accurate. At the time, women like Catherine of Russia and Maria Theresa of Austria were powerful. Women had power in smaller courts, and the salon was frequently the focal point of society in Paris during the 18th century.
The interior architecture of a building reflected the Rococo style the most. A Rococo building’s exterior architecture may be simple, but the interior features frilly elements and complex curved lines. Carved flowers, birds, garlands, and angels may be highlighted in gold on decorative, gilded molding. The Salon de la Princesse at the Hôtel de Soubise in Paris is an excellent example of Rococo architecture. This room’s walls, windows, and a portion of the ceiling are completely covered in ornate molding.
Rococo architecture eventually spread to Germany and Austria. In 1739, the Amalienburg, a Rococo-style structure in Munich, Germany, was completed. The Rococo style is reflected in both the exterior and interior architecture. Delicate carvings can be found above the windows and door, as well as on the roof, on the building’s façade. The Hall of Mirrors uses mirrors to reflect light and the exquisite lines of the ornamental molding on the inside, as its name suggests.