Rococo style in the architecture of Europe. Rococo in the architecture of Russia

Bizarre and capricious, this style originated in France, at the beginning of the XVIII century. Rococo in architecture was not so much an independent direction, as a certain moment of the development of pan-European baroque.

Characteristic features of rococo

Rococo style in architecture is one of the first trends in art that has departed from the established canons and turned to refined and refined themes. Some researchers and experts believe that lightness and frivolity are inherent in this direction. Nevertheless, it has had a significant influence on many other trends and styles in all art.

Quite often, the manifestations of rococo in architecture, photos of which can be seen somewhat lower, are characterized as light and thoughtless. At the same time, the elegance, sophistication and perfection of forms that hide behind apparent frivolity are not noticed at all.

Rococo in art - is primarily a fictional world of intimate experiences, apparent theatricality, decorative refinement and sophistication. There is absolutely no place for pathos and heroism. They are replaced by fantasies, baubles and a game of love.

A distinctive feature of this direction is a curved and whimsical line, which in its outlines resembles a shell, often found in architectural displays of rococo.

History of occurrence

The architectural direction under the name "Rococo" appeared in France, at the beginning of the XVIII century. In those days it was the so-called response to the "Great style" - a monumental and unshakable classicism, the official Baroque, whose most striking example is the Versailles Palace of Louis XIV. Baroque style in architecture and other areas of art dominated throughout virtually the entire period of the reign of the Sun King.

It is worth noting that closer to the middle of the XVIII century in Western Europe, the excessive light-mindedness of the rococo became gradually out of fashion, but in the very center of the continent this direction in art was popular almost until the very end of the century.

The term "rococo" comes from the French word rocaille, which in translation means "quirky", "capricious", as well as "splinters of stones" and "shells". For the entire existence of this style, an incredible number of works of art and architecture have been created, but one of the most significant is the city ensemble in France - a complex consisting of three squares in the city of Nancy in Lorraine.

Rococo on the European continent

The territory of the European continent was unevenly embraced by the tendencies and trends of this trend in art. Nevertheless, some countries and states have quite strongly felt the influence of this style. For example, France was rightly considered the founder of rococo, but the most widespread rococo style in architecture has reached the territory of Germany, especially strongly reflected in Prussia at the court of Frederick II.

Sophistication and refinement of this direction have found manifestations in the luxurious palace ensembles of Germany, France, Russia and some other states.

The architecture of French hotels was characterized by a lush interior design - the rocaille interiors were very harmoniously combined with the relatively strict exterior design of the building. The Rococo style in architecture has spread throughout Europe over time. Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic soon felt the trends of this fashion trend in art.

Rococo in the territory of Russia

New-fashioned European rococo trends of the 18th century in Russia began to appear especially strongly in the middle of the century. For the most part, this direction has found wide application in interior decoration of palace interiors and stucco molding on the facades of many buildings, as well as in some branches of decorative and applied art. The influence of the architectural style came to Russia from France with almost half a century delay.

In 1662, the King of France - Louis XIV - begins the construction of Versailles, and in 1710 Peterhof appeared in Russia. Less than half a century, as the famous architect Antonio Rinaldi is building in Oranienbaum, right in the middle of the fortress of Peterstadt, a Rococo palace. In the XVIII century it was most often called "Stone House", and now it houses the museum "Palace of Peter III".

Manifestations of rococo in the architecture of the northern capital of Russia

Stone House in the northern capital of Russia resembles the park pavilion and is made in a rather unusual form - a square with a smooth arc cut off in a smooth arc. The top of the central door is decorated with a balcony with an exquisite wrought-iron lattice. Elegance and refinement of the building are achieved thanks to high and elongated windows on the second floor, as well as an unusual balustrade.

The interior decoration of the Stone House, as well as the facade, is made in the Rococo style. It is from this time that the decor of the room becomes a separate direction in architecture. For the interior, this style is characterized by refinement, elegance and sophistication. The abundance of pastel shades, the combination of tender white with green, blue or pink, as well as inlaid with gold - all these are distinctive features of rococo in the architecture of St. Petersburg.

Along with this direction, another new trend has come to Russia - the Chinese exotica, which was reflected in the trinkets that adorned the room, as well as entire spacious halls, decorated in this style.

Distinctive features of rococo

Distinctive features of architectural rococo from monumental and heavy baroque are characteristic ease, elegance and mannerisms. Architects no longer sought to build long and tall rooms, but preferred small, cozy rooms with tall windows that, in turn, clustered around the central staircase, thus providing maximum convenience to all residents of the house.

Most of the buildings are becoming more like a so-called mansion-hotel, which is intended for a single family. This architectural layout has become popular, as a result of which many buildings, previously built in pompous and monumental baroque style, began to be rebuilt.

To all other things, despite the abundance of ornaments and other decor elements, the rococo did not look heavy and monumental. Rather, on the contrary - it seemed light and airy due to the refinement and refinement of all the details and the harmoniously chosen color scheme.

Rococo in the interior of the buildings

The Rococo era has affected not only trends and trends in architecture - this style has not bypassed other aspects of art. Moreover, for most architects of the time, it was the interior that was the place where the new direction found its brightest manifestation. The layout of buildings was often asymmetrical, round, oval and even 8-coal rooms were built.

In the XVIII century rococo, the architecture of which was distinguished by its lightness and elegance, became firmly embedded in the interior decoration of the premises. The furnishing of rooms, dishes and drapery, as well as the small details that pleased the eye, which gave the room even more subtlety - all this is typical for the interior in the Rococo style.

Chinese Accent in Rococo

As already mentioned above, the newfangled direction in the architecture of the XVIII century was somehow combined with the Chinese echoes. In this era in the interior decoration of the premises, it was increasingly possible to see elements of oriental culture, which could not be better suited for the Rococo style. The premises were divided into unique areas with the help of light screens and partitions, and in the kitchen, it was increasingly possible to notice the original sets and other dishes made of Chinese porcelain.

The rooms were characterized by natural shades and floral ornaments. Trees with thin trunks, aquarium fish and the graceful beauty of orchids, an abundance of gilding and other Chinese motifs - all harmoniously combined in the interior of the Rococo era.

Female beginning in architectural rococo

In order to be imbued with all the beauty and atmosphere of this trend in art and architecture, it is not enough just to see the beautiful - you need to be able to feel it. It is no accident, probably, this style is attributed to the female principle. Just stop recalling that all the rooms from large and spacious were reconstructed into small, secluded and intimate rooms. Femininity was felt in absolutely everything. Moreover, even the ceremonial rooms and rooms were more like boudoirs - too much of them were all chamber and intimate.

Light and delicate shades of rooms, smooth and graceful bends of the walls, a large number of mirrors, as well as lace elements of the ornament and an abundance of stucco with picturesque inserts - can any other style be so close to the beautiful?

A playful and elegant architectural style can best convey the characteristics of a woman's character.

Rococo today

XVIII century - the time of rococo in the architecture of Russia. However, even now there are fans of this refined and sophisticated style.

Pastel colors, smooth lines and gold finish, light shades and a large number of cute accessories, all kinds of patterns and curls, as well as unusual mirrors and a variety of draperies - these are one of the most important distinctive features of this architectural direction.

Decorating the room in the style of the 18th century is a great opportunity to feel like a real aristocrat. Opportunities and prospects for the development of furniture companies, as well as incredible imaginations of designers and decorators will help create an original and unusual room in the style of rococo. In such rooms you can really enjoy life and rejoice in every new day.