comparison of baroque and rococo architecture styles
Comparison of Baroque and Rococo Architecture Styles
European designs have always managed to leave a lasting impression on the world of architecture. In this Buzzle post, we're comparing two very similar, yet distinct styles of European architecture, Rococo and Baroque.
The Rococo design concept can be termed as a simplified progression of the Baroque tradition. It began to evolve in 18th-century France, and was primarily seen as a comeuppance which compensated for the Baroque-inspired Château de Versailles. Thus, it may not be considered an altogether independent style; it is, in fact, an evolved form of Baroque.
The Rococo style was highly ornamental, delicate, and feminine―a far cry from the imposing excesses of Louis XIV's reign. Typical features include lightness, elegance, and lavish displays of curving, natural forms in ornamentation. Asymmetrical design was highly appreciated. Favored colors included light pastels, ivory white, and gold. In the interiors, mirrors were deftly used to create an illusion of space.
Notable names pioneering Rococo design included François de Cuvilliés, brothers Dominikus Zimmermann and Johann Baptist Zimmermann, G.W. von Knobelsdorff, and Johann Michael Fischer.
The Baroque style of architecture, though thought to be quite ostentatious, represents a glorious period of European design. The Rococo style is often referred to as late-Baroque by many, which merely reinstates the similarities between the two.
Baroque vs. Rococo Architecture
We've been harping on and on about how the Baroque and the Rococo styles are closely related to each other, barring a few minor points of distinction. For a rookie, the differences between the two would go unnoticed, especially if the structure concerned represents a fusion of the two. Look out for these subtle signs to distinguish between both.
Baroque Features
◾ Tall ceilings and high domes
◾ Ornate pillars and grand staircases
◾ Predominantly religious themes
◾ Extravagant and clean-cut designRococo Features
◾ Curving shapes and graceful structures
◾ Ornamental designs of shells and plants
◾ Predominantly aristocratic themes
◾ Complex, asymmetrical design