448 THE BAROQLE AND ROCOCO MOVEMENTS
The Rococo Movement

The French Regency. The Regency was a brief period from
about 1715 to 1725 during which the Duke of Orleans, an uncle
of Louis XV, ruled. This term promoted the gradual transition
from the massive angular forms of the Baroque style to the light,
graceful, curved forms of the Rococo style. The chief character-
istics of the Regence style were exquisite decoration employing
symmetrical balance and curved lines contained within a rectan-
gular framework.

Historical Background. The Rococo movement developed in
France during the reign of Louis XV, 1725 to 1744; therefore this
style is also known as Louis Quinze. The Rococo style is definitely
French and is in fact the highest achievement of the French period
styles, although it deteriorated because of excessive ornamentation.
Its influence was very important in all northern European coun-
tries, where it persisted for a long time.

The Rococo style was the joyous expression of a people who
were glad that Louis 5CIV was dead as they were tired of his pomp
and his costly wars. When Louis XV became king, the stiff
formality of the previous regime was entirely gone. Louis XV
was ruled by the women of the court, who favored smaller houses
and rooms and smaller, comfortable furniture. The aim was no
longer to be impressive and grand, but to be gay and luxurious.

Source. The source of the Rococo style was the Baroque, mod-
ified by Flemish, Oriental, and naturalistic influences. The Rococo
style was definitely romantic with a studied defiance of Classicism.
Originality and novelty took the place of formal decoration.

Interior Architecture. Although the buildings of this period
were Classic in design the interior decorations were Rococo. See
page 460. Panels on interior walls were often outlined by delicate
moldings, broken by Rococo scrolls. In the panels were mirrors,
fine textiles, or painted decorations. Sometimes the pictorial dec-
orations were paintings by the best artists of the period such as
Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher. One of the most delightful
features of the style of Louis XV was the unity between the wall
decorations and the furnishings. This unity was achieved because
one single total impression resulted from harmonious lines, colors,
and textures.