A style denotes the specific rudiments that give rise to either a building, material, or a regional character. Through the style, it becomes possible for different architectural works to be compared as well as contrasted since the peculiarities that are incorporated brings about the uniqueness in each and every piece of art. Architectural styles, therefore, denotes the sorts that represent a structure as well as a notable historically identifiable artworks. Worth mentioning earlier on is the fact the architectural style materialize mainly from the society and with the aim of documenting its history, it turns to be an architectural style that several architects turn to for their works. Although there are several modern architectural style around the world, several of them would as well be deduced from the past. For instance, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Renaissance, and Romance among others are some patterns under this category. For the purposes of our deliberation, the paper will be comparing and contrasting Baroque and Rococo as examples of architectural styles.
Baroque
The architectural style has its origin in Rome after which, it spread to the rest of the parts of Europe from around 1600. Thanks to the Roman Catholic Church, the architectural style turned popular since they opted to use it to symbolize their religious themes. It would as well be noted that it appeared at the Protestant Reformation period. Hence, it played an imperative role in portraying their undeviating and demonstrative involvement in the reformations happening in Europe. The art itself applied motion as well as a vibrant dance, drama, tension, and exuberance resulting to a style that was easy to relate to.
Rococo
Rococo, conversely, denotes an architectural style that appeared in the 18th century appearing on various paintings, architectures, theater, and interior designs. It adopted lighter colors as well as asymmetrical designs and curves something that brings about the first contrast to the exceeding elucidated architectural style. As a result of its characteristics, it was an architectural style that was held to be more decorative in nature.
Similarities between Rococo and Baroque architectural designs
Differences between Baroque and Rococo architectural designs
Although the similarities of the two architectural styles have been expounded in detail herein, it ought not to be concluded that they do not have their differences. Undoubtedly, several differences would be attributed to the two styles. The first major difference between the two results from their origin as mentioned. While the Baroque architectural style would be traced back to the 15th century in Rome, Rococo’s origin would be traced back to the 17th century mainly from France (Blunt, 89-93). Secondly, Baroque would be deduced as a self-regulating region of architecture while Rococo would be deduced as a continuation of the Baroque architectural style. That explains why there was a notation that the Rococo architectural style was viewed as a prolongation and perpetuation of Baroque architectural style. The aspects of beautification and adornment brought about the third architectural style that would be deduced from Baroque and Rococo (Varriano, 216-219). The Baroque architectural style necessitated curved features as well as the adaptation of columns and ornate sculptures and paintings for decorations. Contrary, Rococo architectural style opted for paintings and pieces that would hang up for the buildings aesthetic beauty not forgetting to mention the psychological gratification and fulfillment that they were held to portray.
The application of mirrors in both architectural styles would bring about the fourth differences. They were used to enlarge the visual space in addition to giving an endless illusion in the Baroque style. They were applied for the purposes of creation of light as well as untainted lively thermosphere within a building. As mentioned exceeding, both Rococo and Baroque had comparable trendy aspects. However, the Rococo architectural style necessitated a more ostentatious decoration that the Baroque architectural design would. By illustration, various ornaments that were applicable in the Baroque stylishness were massive as well as heavy unlike the Rococo architectural designs that were more imaginary as well as lighthearted. Lastly, it was mentioned that they were all centered in Europe exceedingly. Although that was factual, it would be noted that they were all influenced by different groups (Blunt, 89-93). By illustration, Baroque was prejudiced by the Roman Catholic as mentioned earlier on while the Rococo was mainly predisposed by the French kingdom before they all blowout to other parts of Europe.
In closing, it would be factual to hold that both the Baroque and Rococo architectural elegances were similar notwithstanding all the differences that have been expounded exceedingly. However, that ought not to be interpreted as undermining the differences that were elucidated above. Rather, it indicates the extraordinary beauty and refinement of the details of the olden architectural designs that were the pillars of the modern architectural styles. Apart from that, they played an imperative role not only in the buildings that they were used in, but also on different spheres. Such domains include not but limited to sculptures, painting, and literature among other spheres of influence within the society. Evidently, the two architectural designs remains influential on the modern day churches all around the world not forgetting to mention that they are to-date included on symbolic buildings of the country. By illustration, royal houses, and state buildings.
Work Cited
Blunt, Anthony. Neapolitan Baroque and Rococo Architecture. London: A. Zwemmer, 1975. Print.
Varriano, John L. Italian Baroque and Rococo Architecture. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986. Print.
