BAROQUE AND ROCOCO ARCHITECTURE REVIEWER art and design—commonly called the Baroque period—which

also included similarly elaborate and dramatic work in the

visual arts and music.

BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE Baroque Architects

Baroque Architecture(1590-1725) that featured highly Francesco Borromini

decorative and theoretical styles prevailed in Italy in the
early 17th century and slowly spread across Europe. The Chief formulator of Baroque architectural style. Secured a
Baroque movement began in Rome after the Renaissance, reputation throughout Europe with his striking design for a
partly as a reaction against the Protestant Reformation.
small church,San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome.
Sculpture, Paintings, and Use of color and light in Baroque
Architecture were sensual and passionate.
Carlo Maderno
Baroque Timeline
One of the fathers of Baroque architecture. His façades of
1600-1630(Early Baroque) Santa Susanna, St. Peter's Basilica and Sant'Andrea della Valle
The Early Baroque(1584–1625) was largely dominated by the were of key importance in the evolution of the Italian
work of Roman architects. Baroque.

1630-1680 (High Baroque) Gian Lorenzo Bermini

The High Baroque(1625–1675) produced major works in He was more prominently the leading sculptor of his age,
Rome by Pietro da Cortona credited with creating the Baroque style of sculpture

1680-1750(Late Baroque) CHARACTERISTICS

-Intricate details
The Late Baroque (1675–1750) saw the style spread to all -Rich Textures/Rich surface treatments
-Color and light contrast
parts of Europe, and to the colonies of Spain and Portugal in
-Asymmetrical spaces
the New World. National styles became more varied and -Twisting elements, Curve/sweeping forms – specially Domes
distinct. The Late Baroque in France, under Louis XIV, was -Irregular or complicated shapes
more ordered and classical -Concave and convex surfaces to mimic undulation
-Grand stairways
Baroque Art -Exaggerated Grandeur
-Use of oval, both in plan and in ornamentation
FULL BAROQUE -Trompe-I’oeil treatments in interiors
-Groupings of columns and niches
Full Baroque art would likely refer to a style characterized by -Lavish, dramatic paintings are featured on ceilings and walls.
opulence, extravagance, and a profusion of ornamentation. -Imagery that created optical illusions.
This style is often associated with the exuberant use of color,
intricate details, and dramatic, dynamic compositions. MATERIALS
RESTRAINED ARCHITECTURE STONE AND MARBLE IRON AND METAL WORKS
Full Baroque art would likely refer to a style characterized by STUCCO AND PLASTER WOOD AND TIMBER
opulence, extravagance, and a profusion of ornamentation.
This style is often associated with the exuberant use of color, Key Elements & Features
intricate details, and dramatic, dynamic compositions.
1. Dramatic use of light and shadow
BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE ( imperfect pearl)
Baroque architects utilized light and shadow to create
As Merriam Webster defines it, the building style “is marked dynamic and theatrical effects. This was achieved through
generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the use of chiaroscuro (the contrast between light and dark)
the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a to emphasize certain architectural elements and create a
sense of drama, movement, and tension.” The architectural sense of depth and movement.
style is the structural manifestation of a larger movement in
2. Curvilinear forms
Baroque buildings often featured curvilinear and undulating Elaborate, scroll-like cartouches, often featuring the building's
forms, including curved facades, domes, and sweeping owner's initials or coat of arms, were frequently placed above
staircases. These curves added a sense of movement and doorways or on facades. They served both decorative and
energy to the architecture. informational purposes.

3. Elliptical or Oval shapes 11. Mosaics and Inlays

Eliminating right angles. Sometimes an oval nave was Baroque architects sometimes employed mosaic work and
surrounded by radiating circular chapels. This was a distinctive decorative inlays in marble or other materials to create
feature of the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of stunning floor and wall patterns. These intricate designs
Balthazar Neumann added to the opulence of Baroque interiors.

4. Pilasters 12. Painted ceilings

Baroque buildings frequently featured columns and pilasters Baroque architecture is famous for its painted ceilings, which
with elaborate capitals. Solomonic columns, characterized by often featured intricate frescoes depicting scenes from
twisting spirals, were a popular choice and added a sense of mythology, religion, or history. These ceiling paintings created
movement to the architecture. a sense of grandeur and illusion of height.

5. Domes and Cupolas 13. Sculpture

Baroque architecture is known for its majestic domes and Baroque architects sought to blur the lines between
cupolas, often adorned with intricate detailing and decorative architecture and sculpture, creating seamless and integrated
elements. designs where the two art forms complemented each other.

6. Balustrades and Railings Famous Baroque Architecture in Europe

Elaborate balustrades and wrought-iron railings were

common in Baroque architecture, often featuring ornate Baroque architecture manifested differently in various parts
patterns and decorative motifs. of Europe, adapting to regional influences, cultural contexts,
and the tastes of local patrons. Here is an overview of how
7. Gilded and Stucco decorations Baroque architecture developed in different regions of
Europe:
Often featured intricate gilded (covered in gold leaf) 1. France
decorations and stucco work on facades, interiors, and
French Baroque architecture, often referred to as the
ceilings. Stucco, a plaster-based material, allowed for the
"Classical Baroque," developed under the reign of Louis XIV.
creation of detailed reliefs, decorative moldings, and
sculptural elements.
Example: Versailles Palace, designed by Louis Le Vau
8. Floral and Foliage Motifs and expanded by Jules Hardouin-Mansart

Baroque design frequently incorporated motifs inspired by 2. Austria and Germany

nature, such as ornate garlands, swags of flowers, leaves, and
vines. These motifs were often used to frame doors and Austrian and German Baroque architecture, often referred to
windows or to embellish entire facades. as "Austro-German Baroque”.
3. Spain
9. Rocaille and shell motifs Spanish Baroque architecture is characterized by its
exuberance, decorative richness, and a fusion of Moorish and
Rocaille, or shell-like ornamentation, was a common feature
Renaissance elements.
in Baroque interiors. These whimsical and organic designs,
resembling seashells and waves, were used in wall panels, Example: Palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
mirrors, and furniture.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

10. Cartouches
4. Netherlands
Introduction
Dutch Baroque architecture, often termed "Dutch Classicism,"
combined Baroque elements with a restrained and more •Rococo takes its name from the French word 'rocaille', which
means “rock or broken shell” which are natural motifs that
symmetrical approach.
often formed part of the designs, along with fish and other
marine decorations and “Barocco”, which means “Baroque”
Example: Royal Palace of Amsterdam by Jacob Van •18th century Rococo architecture was a lighter, more
Campen graceful, yet also more elaborate version of Baroque
architecture.
5. England
Rococo Architecture Grew in:
Baroque architecture in England is exemplified by the work of
Sir Christopher Wren. English Baroque is characterized by a France Italy
blend of classical elements and innovative designs.
Central Europe Southern Germany
Example: St. Paul Cathedral, London by Wren Britain Russia

6. Portugal
HISTORY (ORIGIN)
Portuguese Baroque architecture, also known as "Portuguese
Late Baroque," features ornate decoration, rich interiors, and •The Rococo first emerged in France during the 1720s and 30s
an emphasis on detail. as a style developed by craftspeople and designers rather than
architects, which explains why it is found primarily in
furniture, silver and ceramics.
Example: Palace of Queluz
Rococo architecture, art, and design were born in Paris not
long after the death of Louis XIV in a reaction to Baroque
Church of São Roque interior architecture such as the Palace of Versailles and the Sun
King’s preferred self-glorifying French classical art. In this
7. Central of Europe new era, Parisians returned to the city from Versailles and
started renovating their homes with a freer, more light-hearted
In Central Europe, including countries like Czechia, Hungary, spirit.
and Poland, Baroque architecture often featured a fusion of
local and Italian influences.
-Rococo style was especially popular when decorating salons
used to entertain guests, and became the height of fashion
Example: St. Nicholas Church, Prague
beginning in the 1720s. Playful and exuberant, Rococo is a
Buda Castle, Budapest (Hungary) wedding cake of a style, with a delicate, pastel-hued, and—
what has long been for better or worse thought of as—
8. Russia classically feminine allure in part to counterbalance the
testosterone-driven aesthetic dominance of the reign of Louis
Russian Baroque architecture emerged in the late 17th XIV.
century. It incorporated Baroque elements into traditional
Russian architecture. HISTORY
Example: The Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. ( SOCIAL & FAMILY STRUCTURE)
Petersburg
•The Rococo era is known for its focus on pleasure, frivolity
9. Colonial Latin America and escapism. Because royalty and the aristocracy held social,
political and economic power, this was the group that set the
Baroque architecture in the colonies of Latin America blended styles and manners of the day. Boredom came with the
European Baroque with indigenous and regional influences. excessive way of life at court, which led to a pursuit of pure
pleasure and escapism.
Example: The Cathedral of Mexico City
HISTORY
Church of San Francisco in Lima, Peru ( RELIGION)

ROCOCO ARCHITECTURE
•Baroque art usually depicts religious themes while the COLOR SCHEME
Rococo period is deeply rooted in secular culture. •Rococo architecture used a lot of pastels. This was unlike the
emphasis on light and dark lighting of the Baroque era upon
MATERIALS neutral colors.
•STUCCO
•BRONZE •Rococo colour scheme is characterized by azure blue,soft
•GUILDINGS pink, white, ivory,cream and gold and they all complement
•CARVED WOOD each other, being soft, airy and feminine.
•PORCELAIN
•MARBLE SHAPE
•Artists and architects deviated from the Baroque style
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
through a complex approach. This made structures look more
WALLS grandiose.

Minimize was the use of entablatures and the designs have DADO
become more abstract. Plastic covers replaced the angles in the •The dado or the lower part of the wall was dwarfed. During
corners connecting to the ceiling. the period, it was also used to a lesser extent.

OPENINGS 7 CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCOCO

ARCHITECTURE
•There are many windows and mirrors in the building. In this
way, the lightness of the Rococo style combines with the •CURVES •A
vividness of the light colors in the interior, providing a high SENSE OF AWE
level of illumination with daylight. The mirrored hall, located •STUCCO
in the center of this building, distributes the light in the space •PASTELS
thanks to its circular plan, providing an environment where •ASYMMETRY
elegance is felt at its peak. They also used pediments and •NATURE
hoods on doorways. •TROMPE I'OEII

MOULDINGS

•Interior elements paid particular attention to moldings,

decorated in curvaceous forms using S and C shapes. Natural
shapes from nature dominated, especially seashells, flowers, ROCOCO IN ITALY
•Italian Rococo style emerged shortly after it started in France.
birds, and vines. Fontainebleau inspired elements included
The style developed from the Baroque movement and had
cupids, putties, and gilding. exposed, curved forms, the terra-cotta constructions, with clear
structural components and intricate, delicate arrangements.
ORNAMENTS AND DECORARTIONS The era also emphasized structure and light.
Around the period that Rococo architecture was emerging in
•Elaborating on the abstract designs, incorporated were France, Italians were starting to look at the works of Baroque
ornaments in shape of shells and plants. Scrollwork and architect Francesco Borromini. Other designers, like Filippo
bizarre designs were also used. Juvarra, that arose in this period, borrowed from his style but
chose to make the work grander and less constrained than in
MAIN ORNAMENTS OR ROCOCO: the High Baroque period. Italian Rococo style also added
Spanish Steps as one of its designs, mainly observed on Santi
• Asymmetrical shells Maria Della Quercia and Santi Caterina.
· Acanthus and other leaves
· Birds
· Bouquets of flowers The new style also had swelling curved forms and terra-cotta
· Fruit style construction, and the structures were more architecturally
· Musical instruments complex and exposed. But, again, the relationship between
· Angels
structure and light was paramount.
· Chinoiserie (pagodas, dragons, monkeys, bizarre flowers and
Chinese people) ROCOCO IN BRITAIN
•In Great Britain, rococo was called the "French taste" and had
COLUMNS •they
less influence on design and the decorative arts than in
made use of columns like Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders
continental Europe, although its influence was felt in such
areas as silverwork, porcelain, and silks. William Hogarth
helped develop a theoretical foundation for Rococo beauty.
Though not mentioning rococo by name, he argued in his
Analysis of Beauty (1753) that the undulating lines and S-
curves prominent in Rococo were the basis for grace and
beauty in art or nature (unlike the straight line or the circle in
Classicism).

ROCOCO IN GERMANY
•As Germans started partying like the French, the Rococo
became popular amongst German aristocrats and nobility. This
is the Amalienburg, a hunting lodge on the grounds of the
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, built for Holy Roman
Emperor Charles VII and Maria Amalia of Austria, his wife. It
was designed by François de Cuvilliés with several interior
designs by Johann Baptist Zimmerman and constructed from
1734- 1739. In that 5-year period, Cuvilliés really brought the
Rococo into Germany.

In Germany, the complexity and whimsy of the Rococo was

not just limited to party homes. The Church found a use for it
as well. The most notable of German Rococo churches is
Vierzehnheiligen, a pilgrimage church dedicated to a group of
saints popular at the time, called the Fourteen Holy Helpers,
who were often invoked to help against various diseases. It
was designed by Balthasar Neumann and built between 1743
and 1772

ROCOCO IN RUSSIA
•The Russian Empress Catherine the Great was another
admirer of the Rococo; The Golden Cabinet of the Chinese
Palace in the palace complex of Oranienbaum near Saint
Petersburg, designed by the Italian Antonio Rinaldi, is an
example of the Russian Rococo.

FAMOUS ROCOCO ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Sanssouci Palace

Amalienburg

Hotel de Soubise

Branicki Palace

Linderhof Palace

Cuvilles Theatre

Copper Roof Palace

Catherine Palace