Blondel, Rococo - Rationalism

Rococo

The word Rococo is derived from the French word rocaille, meaning stone, and coquilles, which means shell.

Rococo is an 18^th century style and is mainly associated with the reign of Louis XV and is a post-Baroque development in France.

Characteristics of the style are lightness, asymmetry, elegance and a minute attention to detail. Decorative accents inspired by organic forms such as plants, shells and flowers are quite prominent in the Rococo style.

Marie Antoinettes Private Room, Versailles
One of the first significant appearances of the style was in the bedroom of Louis XIV at Versailles which was redecorated in 1701, a step away from the Baroque grandeur of the palace.

 One of the lasting elements of the Rococo style is the cabriole leg which was a common feature in Rococo furniture. 

Louis XV Console Table


Jacques Francois Blondel, 1705-74

The theory behind Blondel's move away from the Rococo style was of conservative thinking and rational design with an ordered structureIt was a campaign against self-indulgence and idealogical decoration in Architecture

This new way of thinking brought about the end of the Rococo style and moved into a more ordered and serious Neoclassical eraThis was done through education in his school of Architecture and Arts "École des Arts", he also compiled a number of encyclopediasRationalism and simplicity formed an element of the decline of the Rococo Style, they also formed the basis for the new emerging style, Neoclassicism, which was much lighter and less ornate in appearance. this era was also known as the Age of Enlightenment.