Famous Rococo Paintings

Rococo came about in art during the 18th century in France after the death of King Louis XIV in 1715. The style of the Rococo movement features elegantly dressed figures, flowing motifs, and pastel colors. Starting in France it soon spread to other places in Europe.

The Embarkation for Cythera Jean-Antoine Watteau

French artist Jean-Antoine Watteau began the Rococo style in the early 1700s in France. This is his most famous painting created in 1717. The painting depicts a group of couples embarking on a trip to Cythera. Cythera is an island near Greece known as the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. The artist has painted the three couples as if they are engaged in courtship with flying cupids hovering above.

Pierrot Jean-Antoine Watteau

French artist Jean-Antoine Watteau created some of the most influential artworks of the Rococo era. Among his best-known artworks was this painting completed in 1719. It depicts actors surrounding a figure standing on top of a platform.

The Swing Jean-Honore Fragonard

French artist Jean-Honore Fragonard was known as one of the most notable members of the Rococo movement. He is best known for this artwork completed in 1767. The painting depicts a young woman swinging on a swing attached to a tree branch. A young man lies on the ground watching her and another can be seen in the shadows pulling the swing with a pair of ropes.

The Meeting (From the Loves of the Shepherds) Jean-Honore Fragonard

French artist Jean-Honore Fragonard was known for depicting scenes in playful, Hedonistic settings. In this artwork completed in 1772 the painting shows a young man and woman engaged in a meeting they’re trying to keep a secret. The man is clamoring over the side of a wall and the young woman peering over her shoulder to be sure they are not seen.

The Bathers Jean-Honore Fragonard

French artist Jean-Honore Fragonard began developing a style that was unique to the Rococo era. He was known for using vibrant colors. Among his most famous artworks was this painting created in 1765. It depicts eight women enjoying a bath in the midday sun.

Triumph of Venus Francois Boucher

French artist Francois Boucher is among the most famous artists from the Rococo era. His paintings featured mythological figures or settings. This artwork completed in 1740 is among his best-known paintings. The artwork depicts the goddess Venus shortly after she was birthed from the sea. Around her are nymphs, cherubs, and tritons.

Portrait of Madame de Pompadour Francois Boucher

French artist Francois Boucher was known for his mythological scenes. He was also one of the most famous portrait painters of the Rococo period. This is one of his best-known portraits completed in 1759. It depicts Madame de Pompadour, a member of the French court. She is seen leaning against the base of a large statue wearing the characteristic flowing dresses common for elite members of French society.

The Entrance to the Grand Canal Canaletto

Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal known as Canaletto was famous for his Italian cityscapes. Among his most famous paintings is this artwork created in 1730. It depicts the waterway leading into Venice, Italy completed in 1730.

Allegory of the Planets and Continents Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Italian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo was known as one of the most notable painters of the Rococo era from Italy. This artwork completed in 1752 was among his most famous paintings. It depicts celestial figures representing many different planets as well as the continents on Earth. Some of the figures in the painting represent people of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Soap Bubbles Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin

French artist Jean-Baptiste-Simeon-Chardin specially painted scenes with extravagant figures and large open scenes. He was one of the first artists to pioneer the Rococo movement. Among his best-known artworks was this painting completed in 1734. It features a child blowing a bubble while a friend watches from behind.