Similarities
Rococo art is similar from Baroque art because both use forms of tenebrism, dramatic chiaroscuro, enigmatic, genre, mood, camera obscura, and style of the region to show and feel the emotion to portray the mood and theme of the work.
Commonality in style since the Rococo style developed during the last phase of the Baroque movement, the styles share a similar timeline in history, as both were relevant during much of the 1700s. The Rococo style originated as a revolt against the dull and solemn Baroque designs of the royal courts of France in Versailles. Rather than rebuild their homes and chateaus, wealthy patrons remodeled the interiors with elaborate plasterwork, murals, tapestries, mirrors, furniture, porcelain and silk in a lighter, more feminine style. Buildings such as the Palace of Versailles still featured the characteristics of Baroque architecture while having Rococo style interiors (Admin)
Similarities in furniture style. Baroque and Rococo furniture styles appear almost indistinct from one another. Heavy ornamentation, curvaceous cabriole style legs, sculptural S- and C-scrolls and intricate carvings of leaves and shells can be found on both styles of furniture. Baroque and Rococo furniture designs also share some Asian influences. The similarities in appearance mean you could easily use either style interchangeably or combined for a rich look in a room (“Difference Between Baroque and Rococo | Baroque Vs. Rococo”).
The artistic similarity is another similarity Rococo, and Baroque styles share. It is the frequent use of framed canvas paintings and fresco-style architectural paintings as embellishments for interiors. The arts heavily influence both styles, and each style has an association with famous artists. Rococo paintings feature pastel colors, sinuous curves and lighter subjects of mythology, romantic love and portraiture. Famous names in Rococo art include Francois Boucher, known for opulent paintings of self-indulgence and Giambattista Tiepolo, who created a fabulous wall and ceiling fresco paintings. Baroque paintings are much more dramatic and theatrical with a strong sense of movement, darker colors and a focus on key elements of Catholic dogma. Famous Baroque artists include Pietro da Cortano, a trompe l’oeil style ceiling fresco painter and Peter Paul Rubens, who created the well-known masterpiece, “Massacre of the Innocents” (“Similarities Between Rococo and Baroque”).
Differences
Baroque Originated in Italy, at the beginning of the 17th century then moved to other parts of Europes. It all began with the rise of Counter-Reformation. It was in stark contrast compared to the Protestant movement, which relied on simplicity to keep things simple. It was an influence and a predecessor to Rococo whereas Rococo originated in Italy, at the end of the 17th century, but had become more popular in France. It was the last stage in the development of Barocco. The Rococo design concept can be termed as a simplified progression of the Baroque tradition (Admin).
In terms of architecture, a Baroque style meant grandiose shapes and spaces, featuring an array of rich surface treatments, twisting elements, and gilded statuary. It was characterized by the use of bold colors which portrayed contrast and were highly dramatic. Another remarkable feature was the vividly painted ceilings, usually depicting Biblical scenes while 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. The 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. (“Comparison of Baroque and Rococo Architecture Styles”).
Rococo furniture style is more delicate and feminine than Baroque furniture which is heavy and masculine. It featured more slender legs, more organically formed seats with wider arms and an emphasis on asymmetry, whereas Baroque furniture is strictly symmetrical (“Similarities Between Rococo and Baroque”).
Baroque comes from Latin roots which give means rough or imperfect pearl. Informal words, something that is detailed and sophisticated whereas Rococo is a portmanteau word combining both “rocaille” (French for “shell”) and “Barocco,” Italian for Baroque, the art style preceding the Rococo period. Rococo art extensively features shell-shaped curves and wave-like motifs, particularly in its sumptuous furniture design and interior décor (“Rococo Art Movement”).
Baroque was heavy-handed and provocative; for example, Michelangelo’s David which was sculpted as nude whereas Rococo expressed lightness and playfulness within elaborate decorations.
Decorative arts play a unique role in Rocco period because of its characteristic where it was characterized by its asymmetry, graceful curves, elegance, and the delightful new paintings of daily life and courtly love, which decorated the walls within these spaces (“Brief History of Rococo Art)
Work Cited
“A Brief History of Rococo Art.” Artnet News, 10 Mar. 2015.
Admin. “Baroque Vs. Rococo.” Difference Between, 6 Apr. 2016,
“Comparison of Baroque and Rococo Architecture Styles.” Historyplex,