Baroque Art: Europe, 17th Century
Baroque Art developed in Europe around 1600, as an reaction against the intricate and formulaic Mannerism that dominated the Late Renaissance. Baroque art is less complex, more realistic and more emotionally affecting than Mannerist art.
This movement was encouraged by the Catholic Church, the most important patron of the arts at that time, being seen as a return to tradition and spirituality.
One of the great periods of art history, Baroque Art was developed by Caravaggio,Gianlorenzo Bernini and Annibale Carracci, among others. This was also the age of Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Vel¨¢zquez.
In the 18th century, Baroque Art was replaced by the more elegant and elaborate Rococo art style.
Rococo Art: Europe, 1715 to 1774
Rococo Art succeeded Baroque Art in Europe. It was most popular in France, and is generally associated with the reign of King Louis XV (1715-1774). It is a light, elaborate and decorative style of art.
Quintessentially Rococo artists include Jean-Honore Fragonard, Fran?ois Boucher, Jean-Antoine Watteau and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
Rococo was eventually replaced by Neoclassicism, which was the signature visual style of Napoleon in France and of the American revolution.