18th century painting

18th-century painting is characterized by a shift from the grand styles of Baroque to the elegance of Rococo and later Neoclassicism. Rococo features soft colors, playful themes, and ornate details, often depicting lighthearted scenes of aristocracy. In contrast, Neoclassicism draws inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing structure, seriousness, and moral narratives. Key artists include Jean-Antoine Watteau, François Boucher, and Jacques-Louis David. This era reflects societal changes, including the rise of the middle class and Enlightenment ideas, fostering art that combined beauty with new philosophical concepts.