The Rise of Rococo: Exploring Ornate European Art |Perspective

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Travel in the 18th century greatly impacted some of the finest art ever made. The world was getting smaller and took on new influences shown in the glorious Bavarian pilgrimage architecture, Canaletto's romantic Venice and the blossoming of exotic designs and tastes all over Europe.
Following the grandeur of Baroque, Rococo art is often dismissed as frivolous and unserious, but Waldemar Januszczak disagrees. In this three-part series he re-examines Rococo art and argues that the Rococo was actually the age in which the modern world was born. Picking three key territories of Rococo achievement - travel, pleasure and madness - Waldemar celebrates the finest cultural achievements of the period and examine the drives and underlying meanings that make them so prescient.
Perspective is KZbin's home for the arts. Come here to get your fill of great music, theatre, art and much, much more!
From Rococo: Before Bedtime
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[@kahlesjf]

Waldemar Januszczak's narration of this series is itself an art form.

[@kahlesjf]

@Liz Muschinski So well said!

[@Cheryltwin2012]

I studied Art History in the 70's and my instructor despised the Rococo Movement. His own tastes were towards Impressionist and Pre-Modern art so I can understand why he hated Rococo art. To him, it was frivolous and unserious. But I loved it and still do. Yes, it was "pink and fluffy", that's why I liked it. I still adore Vivaldi as well, an artist we also studied because music is art, too after all. I didn't expect to love this documentary this much though. How I wish Waldamar had been there to guide me through the whole Art History experience. He definitely would have made it more interesting. I'll be watching all of his other docs as well.

[@sebeckley]

It's pretty basic to prefer the Impressionists.

[@gabsie7224]

@@sebeckley and? Does everyone need to be a cultivated art expert to enjoy art? Can't we simply like what makes us feel something, even if it is basic? Does that lessen our experience?

[@pabloruiz8597]

One of the greatest artists in all of Western history emerged from the rococo--Johann Sebastian Bach. He actually created his musical masterpieces close to Meissen, Dresden and all these major rococo palaces and churches in Germany featured in this program. Bach's contemporaries disliked his music--it was seen as too ornate, too complex, to fuddy-duddy. Just like your professor's opinion of rococo in general. Of course, now we recognize this rococo composer as the greatest musical genius of the Western tradition, having deeply influenced the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, Brahms, Debussy, Mahler, Prokofiev and all the others. His music is conceivably the best ever conceived, IMHO. His cantatas alone are so sonorous--they do great things with the human voice.

[@nordlys3432]

@@sebeckley the times are changing. You cannot compare Rococo with Impressionismus. World changed from here to there.

[@africa380]

The first thing that that

[@mattja312]

@ 27:30 : "Remember, this was still the pre-Darwinian world, David Attenborough hadn't even been born yet." Priceless, Waldermar, priceless.

[@williamchamberlain2263]

The best irony

[@pippy68p65]

What a man Sir.David was .

[@juliarman]

I also thought about what exact rhetorical device that was and decided finally, after a thorough research, it is "adianoeta".

[@lindawitherspoon446]

@@pippy68p65 he’s not dead.

[@pippy68p65]

@@lindawitherspoon446 thankyou. Yes i did look into it. It actually started with my son stirring me up saying he had died. He wont be doing that again 8n a hurry. I love Sir David Attenborough. Ive watched him since he was little.

[@splodge5714]

"I'm a mug man by instinct" Wonderful series full of glorious artistic quotes. Waldermar at his best.

[@ginacrusco234]

"Some of the best voyaging was done in the mind." And that's what I'm doing watching these videos. No air travel for me during these germy times, I'm afraid.

[@scottydouglass1892]

I don't know art butt I know what I like. Now I am learning WHY I like it.

[@LadyCoyKoi]

Wow... they were truly whimsical back then, especially that house of mint green with gold. It is overwhelming, but yet you can't help but be in awe at how beautiful it is.

[@christybethke2693]

His comparative analysis of the Renaissance, Baroque and then Rococo showing pearls and shells is the best definition I've seen, Bravo!

[@francesremo]

I’m a photographer and trying to teach myself art history to understand art, and I think I found the best instructor and best way to learn. 💖

[@pauleohl]

@Frances Remo Certainly the best instructor. This whole series is absolutely astonishing, especially Waldemar's explanations and expositions.

[@bzxshor67mpts]

Yes I try and watch everything he presents.

[@malaD120]

thats true

[@jj5962]

This guy presents art in the most interesting and engaging and memorable way

[@StephiSensei26]

If you put on a blindfold and listened to Waldmar's voice, I'm certain you'd agree with me, that he has the voice that should be commenting on the play to play action of a match of Manchester United. And yet, this lovely chap is teaching us all this with his humor and grace. Brilliant, just Brilliant!

[@joseffinat966]

Ja maar nu is hij boos op mij ,maar dat is ook niet voor eerst ,hij went er maar aan 😇 👉😘👉🤓

[@joseffinat966]

Ik versta jammer genoeg Engels dus spraakverwarring alom 🙃

[@joseffinat966]

Niet genoeg Engels

[@asiguere]

This is the content that is getting me through this freaking year

[@melanieohara6941]

Nice email name-Henry James is one of my favorite writers. Cheers from Wyoming!🙋🏼‍♀️

[@celeste6445]

Same here ☺️

[@williamchamberlain2263]

This is the good stuff

[@bobfty2680]

Same brother. 2020 is has been a terrible year but these documentaries are helpful

[@davedunlap8807]

Me too!

[@yeseniah7373]

All other art currents are just jealous of Rococo. It's fabulously rich, flamboyant, elegant and gorgeous. What's not to like?!

[@mihiec]

So true so true😍😍😍😍

[@primrose3982]

Exactly

[@artinthegarage]

I have always been. Die hard fan of this period!!! The color, the whimsy, the joy..... I especially love the depiction of feet and hands during this time period. Chubby fingers, red toes, pink in the nose, MY FAV!!!!

[@edwin11373]

As a chinoiserie artist working for 20 years, I also agree. The Rococo period was not only the golden age of Chinoiserie (it existed to a degree in Europe before the 18th Century), it also was a period of tremendous furniture making. I've lost count of how many 18th century furniture I have seen coming to my place of work, I mean truck loads. And this is just one antique shop. And there thousands of high-end antiques shops all over the world with genuine furniture of the 18th century specifically from the Rococo period.

[@carlamariedelcarmen5944]

Hygiene 🤣

[@TressBraga]

The moment I clicked on the video I couldn't stop watching. This is probably one of the most interesting documentaries I've ever seen. Job well done!

[@tmb2226]

The long months of lockdown brought me here. I have thoroughly enjoyed this art historian's videos about Rococo art. Never have I thought about or appreciated art history until now. Such a pleasure listening to this man talk about art.

[@EpsilonEridani_]

This man's the real deal. Thank you for this marvelous free series on KZbin!

[@bzxshor67mpts]

Love Waldermars presentations----creative with personality.One of the best. Art History is facinating

[@denegillespie5767]

A wonderful journey with my favourite art historian.

[@aidenbethany9913]

BUSTING

[@nicoladecandia2]

I love the way his back is to camera and he turns around to talk to you as if you're trying to tag along with his enthusiam.

[@makyeebon]

I love your suggestion about Chinoiserie: It wasn't about China, it was about Europe, releasing its imagination, releasing it's sensuous European desires. Love it! This was one of my favorite in the series. Have always loved Rococo, and I like how you show it was much more than frivolity.

[@Fwootgummi]

I had an art history professor describe the Rococo period as unsubtle as the 90's and I can't get it out of my head whenever I encounter anything from this period. They were so damn extra and in your face

[@DNBon.an808]

that's on point, im going to remember that

[@tlee035]

speaking of subtlety, what's subtle of van Gogh? of Beethoven's Fifth? Stravinsky's Rite? Battleship Potemkin? 2001: A Space Odyssey? when did subtlety become an artistic criteria, I wonder:-)

[@dojocho1894]

Over the top is how I describe the period. Just joyous

[@rlabarbera]

The 80's were explosive and OTT...the 90's was grunge and depressing and minimalist

[@reignsebastian454]

more... Please... much much much more of Waldemar and his genuine way of making all this so damned entertaining. youtube has never been so addictive as this.

[@gabrielepichler]

"I love the way religion can turn nowhere into somewhere." --- so true for almost all rural places of pilgrimage.

[@hifellowhumans8393]

I can't help but be reminded of Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' and how the film has been criticized for its apparent lack of 'substance' and for having a too contemporary soundtrack. From my perspective, Coppola simply wanted the film to embody the disconnect - that sense of being out of place - between Rococo, with it's delicious, pastel hues, and France's desperate economic situation at that time.

[@bullirish]

I'll never have the opportunity to see what you have seen and listening to you, I travel the world and see it's beautiful art. Thank you.

[@horstclar682]

Dear Waldemar, I'm grateful to you for these wonderful travels with you through the history of arts. Much to leran and much to admire. Thank you!!!

[@r6600]

Started watching this morning..FINALLY, get to finish it tonight. Yay! Just love Valdemar.

[@lisashapiro4714]

Love this time in Furnishings and design. Mixing This period with Art Deco and splashes of Shabby French Country estate. Looks Magical IMHO

[@henrikrolfsen584]

This is one of the very best of Waldemar Januszczak's educational videos!

[@jacquelinea3358]

My art history professor loved almost all art periods...from ancient Sumerian to early abstract. She was ALMOST as enthusiastic as Waldemar about Rococo. I also love the colors and the fantasy swirling together to create a view of architecture and nature.

[@happygrandma5637]

He's so energetic. I keep expecting him to say over his shoulder: "for goodness sake keep up". The poor camera person must be exhausted at the end of the day. After watching several of these I decided the camera had to be behind or he'd mow him down. I love all of Waldemar's work and wish there were more. Agree with Stephi you could just listen to him. There have been a few people like that, Carl Sagan was one, simply a delight to listen to. Wish Waldemar was doing more at the current time. All of these are at least a year old.

[@timrutter7095]

As always another wonderful programme, Waldamar's perspective is the highlight of my viewing week. Thank you so much

[@martinaanagnostou7422]

Absolutely wonderful, I love the puns throughout and especially the one at the end. Waldemar I feel I know you not only because you have my grandfathers name but because your films make the viewers feel like they are strolling along with you as you impart your knowledge in such an accessible human way! Thank you thank you!

[@davidc5191]

Coincidentally, the 18th century was also known for its mathematicians, starting with Newton and Leibniz who discovered calculus, then going on to the great French mathematicians Lagrange, Laplace, and Fournier, and one of the greatest of all time, Euler.

[@tomfrith1949]

Bravo !!! Waldemar Januszczak , Bravo !! Well Done and Thanks for SHARING the MARVELOUS views.

[@juliagies2500]

It’s great to be able to see places without a lot of tourists. Thank You!

[@cjtzioumis686]

What a wonderful series, I love his approach to art. Extremely well done and informative, he irresistibly draws you in.

[@salvadorherrera9824]

This is just absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so bad🦏

[@OstblockLatina]

It is owed to Canaletto's landscapes of Warsaw and their incredible, meticulously painted detail, that Warsaw's old town had been reconstructed almost from ashes after WW2. The destruction of the city and its resources was accompanied with the loss of of the architectonic documentation of the area. Also, August the Strong didn't bend horseshoes. They were already made like that. He straightened them. But aside from his countless downsides, one has got to acknowledge his achievement of being a man who actually cared to forge Chinese produce xDDD

[@LamiNalchor]

I had been in Bavaria for a long time and I had always wondered about these opulent churches in the middle of nowhere. It had always seemed absurd. Now I have the explanation.

[@spinachbitc5474]

3 Enthusiastic Thumps Up The Magic of Porcelain Plaster Architecture and Paint Well Done Waldemar

[@davidkeith571]

These are definitely the high water mark of art documentaries. Entertaining and very informative.

[@PK-re3lu]

Have you looked at 'Civilisation' ?

[@davidkeith571]

@@PK-re3lu no, but thanks for the tip.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

So obsessed with Waldemar’s videos,he is the best !

[@patrickf.4440]

Reminds me of the "Civilization" series from the early 70s: a still very watchable series, by the way. I love all of this! Thanks for making all of this available. Pat, in Chicago

[@MISSCLAUS777]

I love @53:13 "These gorgeous views of Warwick Castle in the sunshine feel so vivid and real, but of course they aren't. The only place you get skies like that in England is in your dreams"

[@furrystep]

Waldo the coinosseur. Until this film I'd always as an art student looked down on all that fiddly embroidery. That meadow beauty full of fake marble just slit me open like an oyster shell... baroque but full of light and pink. Brr. But so overwhelming! Thank you, my imaginary friend and guide.

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

Wuerzburger Residenz my home town, surprised I saw it. Walked by it daily on the way to my sisters. The garden behind it is just as pretty and one of the locals attractions. Riemenschneider did most of the statues in town and was a leading figure of the resistance during the civil war of germany. The Falkenhaus on the marketplace would been a nice addition aswell since its often voted the prettiest house in Germany and very Rococo.

[@TaroEzoMaks]

Yep, Waldemar equals a Genius at Work, unparalelled narrative, fluency, splendid in the realm universal across millenia: Arts.

[@divaden47]

I have only just discovered this amazing series on art history. Binge watching now to brighten the wretched lock-down, feeling ill and praying I don't have the wretched plague!! PS Bad luck with Waldemar having to climb all those flights of steps!!

[@smallstudiodesign]

I watch him on telly in Canada 🇨🇦 ... now I can see him any time ! 👍🏼‼️

[@sherrismith8874]

I have learned so much from this series.

[@linkoln_sosias]

Honestly. I was acc happy to see another video. The host is always so passionate and has a great understanding of ever topic

[@TheLifeOfRoss]

Me too

[@liinaeriksson2968]

Me too!!!

[@brendacoone9814]

From America.... Me too

[@markscott554]

I studied Art History at uni and I STILL leaned a ton from Waldy.

[@eamonr7151]

who else was literally waiting for this one to drop 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@christopherstclair3297]

Perfect! I expected specific works and a word on each artist, but I got much more: a good look at the rococo era, a wildly changing era moving people from camera obscura to absurd ideas of the “mysterious orient.” It’s extraordinary how we found ourselves in a sort of tsunami of new feelings, wanderlust, and brilliant ideas. Seems like just steps behind us, our ancestors were still coping with the earth being round, and right ahead of us there were the penicillin and Darwin. No wonder then that those enticing Fragonard girls morphed into “well-behaved” girls who screamed for Ringo. What could be more logical?

[@tathaart8775]

This is an amazing channel. I love to watch and explore the the untold story of Europian Arts history. Thanks you for sharing from India.

[@deliafunk9810]

So wonderful, so Waldemar! My best!

[@miguelaphan58]

.....a marvell, a complete achievement, from the authors, and the savant that runs the show, my utermost thanks .....

[@brunosipavicius7867]

I do loved this. Thanks for posting and sharing. Cheers from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@brunosipavicius7867]

I used to dislike rococo. But after read introduction of a book about it some years ago I started to like it, because it's relationship to modern art I love: romantism, impressionism, expressionism, abstract expressionism and cy Twombly.

[@rutilopata8294]

Absolutely breathtaking presentation! your delivery is one of its kind! Most memorable! Thank you very much, you are a fountain of humorous knowledge🙏🏻✨😁🕊💐

[@michael7324]

I love how he turns away from the camera and talks. Great gag. Love it.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

It has long been my favorite. They let my mind wander through the painting and time because they are so dreamy. There is so much to look at.

[@renatinho_cabeleira]

Rococo is so exaggerated, heavy with adornment, fluidity and rhythm. I think a lot of contemporary artists on internet seeks the same principles of rhythm, action and expression, influenced of course by animation, like Walt Disney's ones, that really exaggerates movement to highlight expression. I love to compare recent contemporary art with these old beauties. I mean, Rococo is a bit too much for me, but the documentary was so good to explain why it was like this!

[@dojocho1894]

Rococo is like sex....too much is never enough

[@l8nitevibe812]

This was so well done. The humourous bits were just great!

[@doomeddodo]

Rococo so over the top but beautiful. Like the documentaries with this art historian / art critic .

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

It is "over the top"..but, to think ..this was done in the 16th Cish...incredible...

[@doreekaplan6782]

Always an idiot everywhere you go.............NO ONE WANTS TO READ USELESS JUNK OR CRITICISM .............

[@doomeddodo]

@@doreekaplan6782 Thank you and have a nice day.

[@ontledingen3348]

"a rhino... yes, a rhino. why?... " I love this style, haha, don't know why

[@mannyespinola]

This video is so much fun!

[@user-mt2qp2hr8r]

It's a great movie!!! I don't expect will to see so many of my loving art things. Valdemar, great thanks for a masterpiece by Balthasar Neumann an excellent Vierzehnheiligen church. You quit justly called Neumann a giant of rococo. Thanks for frescoes by Tiepolo with amazing details, many splendid canvases of Canaletto, and, of course, for matchless Meissen's porcelain figures, particularly amusing monkey!!!

[@milanjovanovicpictogramax6032]

Lovely and intriguing as all the other of Waldemar's presentations. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@mariaroqueta3135]

Please share part 2! I’m on the edge of my seat...;) 🎨

[@valarieart]

Rococo - I knew nothing! Not what I thought - it is like Baroque with airy lightness and beauty beyond expectations. I hesitate to use the term Glorious fearing there is no more, but that defined it for me. What a fun surprise!

[@AC-th4ci]

My first art history professor was so unforgiving and dismissive towards the Rococo, and in modern times it's easy to see why it's so disliked. Still, I love this narrator's positive approach! He appreciates the beauty and magnificence of the pieces, highlights the mindset and artistic achievements of the movement (far better than my professor did), while still poking fun at the silliness of it.

[@deborahmichaels7458]

Fantastic in every way! Thank you👏 🐚 🥂

[@sschmidtevalue]

It strikes me that Canaletto was the precursor to Terry Redlin: serving up a fantasy idealization. Too perfect to have ever existed.

[@TheWarriorprincess09]

I love these! They are so entertaining and I have learned so much!

[@Marisol-hw6wh]

Thank you so much for uploading

[@monicawylie3985]

I am grateful that the German city of Meissen was covered in this particular documentary. It is not known well enough in this world. Quite often they’re porcelain is overlooked. And the town is as charming as you can imagine. My maternal ancestors are from there. Our family inherited many pieces of the Mason that my Nana and grandpa priced. We all had the famous blue onion plates and cups and saucers that people see it’s all off and understand where the design is from. Thank you so much for that

[@Paulaggramalho]

Great documentary! Get into the art world is such pleasure with Waldemar guidance

[@ReallyGottaTap]

Another eye-opener. Thanks so much.

[@vladsnape6408]

While watching videos of the Rio and Sao Paolo Carnivals, it occurred to me that the floats that are created each year by the various Samba teams are continuing the Rococo tradition. Instead of ostriches, they always have many floats with jungle themes, with various jungle animals and birds, as well as floats with religious (catholic) themes, and almost all the floats are amazing, over-the-top, exuberant, works of art.

[@pierrefireball2505]

I visit the Castle of Sans, Soucy it was so stunningly gorgeous, the details, the sculptures, the parks. One detail that I found funny when you go down the steps toward the flowers beds, We were told that the height and how many different levels it had was that when Frederick the 1st when he was at the bottom of it he could no longer see the Castle. He was 5'1" inches tall (154 cms) so our guide told us to bend down once we were at the bottom of it, I am 6'2" tall (188 cms) we all laugh because of this. The inside of the Castle is gorgeous, and he did not allow his wife except on rare occasions to visit him there.

[@danieladeutsch1708]

What a fascinating travel! Sir, you amazing! This document has it all! Thank you so much!

[@MichaelFlynn0]

The love of art just ooooozes out of Waldemar Januszczak. It is very refreshing.

[@madelinenumberone9903]

love your presentations and of course your choice of music is divine!

[@Sueno359]

Amazing job, so great and simple explanation! The most charming stule ever!

[@bronco297]

Formidable documentary! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@TaylorJohnson1]

My Scottish side of me feeling the Jacobite energy 😂

[@karlkarlos3545]

Why so? You just would replace one German family with another German family.

[@bosskaloi]

What an excessively rich experience brought to us by Waldermar

[@henrikrolfsen584]

The region in Europe, made up of Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, and the Tyrol, is by far, the most magical region on Planet Earth.

[@rebblount1926]

This perspective of Rococco gave me a new appreciation for this art period. Thank you.

[@papagen00]

I have one word to describe Rococo art - whimsical

[@arcadia-art]

Thank you very much! I love the Rococo ornamentation.

[@lindawitherspoon446]

Love this guy. He makes it so interesting. Great video.

[@joaoguilhermedacruzribeiro6262]

Beautifully done! Congratulations!

[@goodchessactor]

I knew Rococo. Wait a minute, that was Maurice Rocco, he played piano in a Bangkok night club.

[@fburton8]

What kind of breakfast cereal did they eat in the Late Baroque period? Rococo Pops, presumably.

[@theguitarrepairchannel]

This was very well done. And i see that you have more...Subscribed!

[@TheEvertw]

"David Attenborough hadn't even been born yet" That made me laugh

[@judithvispi7778]

Enjoyed this very much.

[@geofflawson4749]

My favourite channel. These are outstanding.

[@mariamqureshi9848]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this knowledge, amazing visuals and history! fantastic

[@babymaus6850]

There is a very interesting Trump painting I found on Ebay for 1.5 million dollars. One has to see it to believe it: www.ebay.de/itm/Olgemalde-Donald-Trump-der-Retter-der-Welt-Oil-Painting-Salvator-Mundi/333825019724?hash=item4db9858f4c:g:VkoAAOSwXvRdBMc4

[@gerry343]

Waldemar- glad to see the back of him!