Baroque and Rococo

Are two distinct architectural styles that emerged in Europe during

different periods.
While they share some similarities, they also have significant
differences in terms of aesthetics, characteristics, and historical
context.
Baroque Architecture:

Time Period: The Baroque style originated in the late 16th century
and reached its peak during the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Characteristics:
Baroque architecture is known for its grandeur, dramatic forms, and
ornate decorations.
It often features bold contrasts between light and shadow creating a
sense of dynamic movement and emotion.
Buildings in the Baroque style are characterized by their use of
curves, domes, and elaborate facades.
Baroque architecture was heavily influenced by religious and political
institutions, aiming to convey the power and authority of the
Catholic Church and monarchies.

Baroque architecture borrowed some of the main design elements

from the Renaissance.
It was a completely different style that gave us some of the Europe’s
greatest architectural wonders.
Baroque architecture continued to use classical elements
Baroque buildings are much less rational and orderly than
Renaissance buildings.
Instead of the rectilinear elements of Renaissance buildings-
curvilinear elements were added.
Undulations (in and out movements)
And concave niches with sculpture dominate Baroque buildings.
Instead of the rational rectilinear plan of Renaissance buildings,

Baroque buildings often use an oval plan or other curvilinear

elements in the plan.
In general, Baroque architects incorporated emotion, drama, and
surprise in their works.

The word means imperfection

New naturalism that reflects the scientific advances.
Taste for dramatic action and emotion: – Colour and light
contrasted - Rich textures – Asymmetrical spaces – Diagonal plans –
New subjects: landscape, still-life.

Variety within the style

Art at the service of power
Two main centres: – Rome: Pope’s authority
France: powerful monarchy (Louis XIV)
Influence of the Counter-Reformation
Examples: St. Peter's Basilica in Rome,
Versailles Palace in France.
Architecture: Characteristics
1. Long narrow naves replaced by broader or circular forms

Baroque Oval Churches: Innovative Geometrical Patterns in Early

Modern Sacred Architecture. Oval Geometry.
Sant’Andrea -Rome 1550–51
by Bernini, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the Italian
Baroque
St. Peter’s Basilica -Rome.
2. Dramatic use of light
3. Large-scale ceiling frescoes
4.Interior - A shell for painting and sculpture
5. Illusory effects- is frequently used to create the illusion of an open
sky, such as with the oculus.
They evolved from the Renaissance forms
• Movement toward grand structures with flowing, curving shapes
• Landscape was frequently incorporated
• New elements as gardens, squares, courtyards and fountains.
• Influence of the rebuilding of Saint Peter, in which classical forms
integrated with the city.

Illusory effects

Baroque -Architecture: Italy

Maderno
He made the St. Peter's façade
His work destroyed partially Michelangelo’s design
His work combined the dome with the creation of space where the
Pope could appear publicly
Other works: Santa maria della Vittoria.

Architecture: Characteristics
1. Long narrow naves replaced by broader or circular forms

Baroque Oval Churches: Innovative Geometrical Patterns in

Early Modern Sacred Architecture. Oval Geometry.
 Sant’Andrea -Rome 1550–51
by Bernini, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the Italian
Baroque

St. Peter’s Basilica -Rome.

2. Dramatic use of light
 3. Large-scale ceiling frescoes

4.Interior - A shell for painting and sculpture

 5. Illusory effects- is frequently used to create the illusion of
an open sky, such as with the oculus in Andrea Mantegna's

They evolved from the Renaissance forms

• Movement toward grand structures with flowing, curving shapes
• Landscape was frequently incorporated
• New elements as gardens, squares , courtyards and fountains.
• Influence of the rebuilding of Saint Peter, in which classical forms
integrated with the city.
Illusory effects

Baroque -Architecture: Italy

Maderno
He made the St. Peter's façade
His work destroyed partially Michelangelo’s design
His work combined the dome with the creation of space where
the Pope could appear publicly
Other works: Santa maria della Vittoria • Palazzo Barberini

Maderno- St. Peter's façade

Santa maria della Vittoria
Bernini
He created a fusion of architecture, painting and sculpture
Work: Saint Peter’s square

Bernini-St. Peter’s Square

Baroque Architecture: France
It was elegant, ordered, rational and restrained
It is a rectilinear model, closer to classicism
It aimed at showing the power of Louis XIV monarchy.
Examples
1. Louvre Palace
2. Versailles Palace

Louvre

Versailles Palace
Rococo

Rococo architecture, also known as Late Baroque or -is an

ornamental, intricately detailed and layered style of
architecture.
Emerged in the 18th century in Paris
and spread throughout France and Europe.
Born in Paris after the death of Louis XIV (self-glorifying)
In a reaction to Baroque architecture such as the Palace of
Versailles.
Parisians returned to the city from Versailles and started
renovating their homes with a freer, more light-hearted spirit.
Rococo interiors were highly cohesive, with interior
architecture, design, furniture, and art all sharing common
characteristics.
The Rococo salon was its own aesthetic universe
Wall treatments, painted ceilings, sculpture, art, and decorative
elements worked to create a high-spirited, light, and frothy
atmosphere.
Made perfect backdrops for high-minded aristocrats looking to
entertain and impress their guests.
Elements of Rococo Architecture
1.Considered a highly ornamental, decorative, and theatrical
style.
2.Frequently uses decorative elements that incorporate curves
and counter curves, as well as asymmetrical forms based on the
shape of S’s and C’s.
3.Influenced by the natural world, decorative elements often
emulate the look of shells, pebbles, flowers, birds, vines, and
leaves such as acanthus.
4.Decoration is also often based around angels, musical
instruments, and stereotypical Far Eastern imagery such as

pagodas and dragons, but tends to skew more secular than

Baroque imagery.
Rococo interiors -feature decorative- such as frescoes, sculpted
mouldings, and scrolls.
Freely uses mixed wood types and tones, painted and
unpainted.
Interiors feature a light, pastel palette featuring such colours as
light pinks, yellows, and blues.
Some decorative elements include mirrored glass to enhance
the perception of space and light.
Crystal chandeliers; gilded wall sconces; stucco ornaments; and
boiserie.
Example The Catherine Palace is a huge building located about
30 kilometers south of Saint Petersburg, Russia.