Rococo is an architectural trend that emerged in the early 1700s. Although people sometimes interpret that trend as the last stage of the baroque, they mostly accept it on its own. Rococo architecture, based on baroque, is impressive for its audience even today. So how can we tell if a building is rococo or not? Here are the essential tips not to miss the dizzying rococo details!
Indoor Focused Work
Rococo has shown its influence mostly indoors. Although it follows the bar as the plan type, it offers an intense ornamental tendency in the interior. Therefore, traces of the rococo should be sought within the structures, not outside.
Intense Embellishment
Rococo means decoration. So much so that in rococo style interiors, you can see intense decorations on the walls that do not have a single bare surface. There is also an effort to hide the structure of the structures in rococo consciously. Rococo architects do this to create an illusion of space.
Natural Forms
Rococo is an ornamental trend. And it prefers natural motifs in its ornaments. S and C shaped plant motifs are among the most distinctive features of rococo architecture.
Plastered Stone Wall
Rococo has been accepted as an ‘architectural trend,’ although it attaches importance to architectural decoration and is generally limited to the interior. The most important reason for this is that the rococo does not display an attitude towards decoration and plays with the building elements, even if it is ornamental. Another reason is that rococo has produced new materials to bring the embellishments to the desired level.
In the Rococo period, there are common plastered stone walls. This plaster is, of course, not the kind of dressing we use today. Thanks to a special plaster called stucco, mostly made of sand, water, and lime, rococo designers have found the opportunity to create the intense decorations they want on ceilings and walls.
Moreover, thanks to its durable and waterproof structure, the stucco can be used even on the exterior. It was preferred in the rococo period as it is suitable for creating curves with a sculptural and smooth texture.
Pale Colors
After all the splendor and strikingness of Baroque architecture, architects consciously used rococo in pale pastel colors. We can say that the intense three-dimensional ornaments in the interior have a balance in this way.
Ceiling Frescoes
Even though we have mentioned it in decorations and stucco, ceiling frescoes have a special place in the rococo movement. These decorations are enhanced on the ceiling to hide the structure and reinforce the illusion effect.
Angel Figures
In rococo architecture, it is possible to encounter many angel figures besides natural motifs. These angel figures do not represent sacredness like in the Middle Ages or Renaissance. They are much more childish. Their purpose of inclusion in space is not a religious representation. They are used purely for decoration purposes.