During the early 18th century, as the Baroque period was ending in Europe, the Rococo art movement began. Beginning in France, the movement was a clear move from the direct influences that came from French Classicism.
The death of King Louis XIV was an end for some wealthy families in France. The Rococo movement was styled after a sense of exuberance and abundance compared to the previous periods which had more straight-lined styles. There are a few artists that encapsulate the movement like no other.
Francois Boucher
Without a doubt, the most famous artist from the Rococo movement is Francois Boucher. He became known for portrayals of different Roman and Greek mythological tales. His work became the focal point for the Rococo movement throughout his life.
Though he studied the late Baroque period, he also had a landscape style that was quite popular throughout the Dutch regions. His paintings centered around scenes in which shepherds would work with different livestock types in various meadows.
Jean-Antoine Watteau
Watteau is considered to be among the most notable Rococo period artists. He is credited as the artist that pioneered the style of the period, combining elements of painters like Peter Paul Reubens and Titian while adding his own flair.
Known for his vibrant hues, Watteau had a style that brought out the best of the movement when it came to color and movement. The best way to describe the most famous works by Watteau would be to call them “theatrical in a sense.”
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
This French printmaker and painter is known as one of the more prominent painters for the Rococo movement of the 18th century. Though he primarily lived at the end of the movement, his paintings were known for their more hedonistic nature.
Having painted works for the French royal family during his life, Fragonard was introduced to Boucher. Though the latter didn’t work with Fragonard, the latter would become one of the most prolific artists in French history and a tremendous impact for the period. It is through a long, winding learning experience that Fragonard would gain the prominence that would make him one of the most famous painters of the Rococo movement.