Antique Pink: French Rococo Style in the 18th Century

In the 1700’s, particularly in France, pastel pink was a popular choice for clothing, furniture and decorative. During the late 17th century, King Louis XIV was inspired by his wife Marie Antoinette and commissioned furniture done in pastel colors with light, delicate details. This, coupled with the rejection of the gaudy grandeur of Baroque style, was the beginning of the Rococo style. The Rococo style, another name for late Baroque, incorporated light colors, ornate details, and asymmetrical design. With an emphasis on refined and elegant colors, light pink became a popular and fashionable choice. Its use spanned from porcelain objects to elaborate paintings to silken chairs, it became an emblem for regal femininity.

Pastel, dusty pink quickly became one of the most recognizable colors in Rococo textiles for its light and delicate appearance, which were central characteristics of the style. Different, and more refined baroque type patterns were weaved into the fabric for a florid and rich design. These patterns were usually symmetrical, fluid, and curly motifs.

Rococo porcelain was especially notable in its use of pink pastels. The porcelain creations were intricate works of art depicting things like cherubic figures, delicate flowers, and scenes of people interacting, all of which used pink colors to convey style and extravagance. These objects became an integral part of decoration in the extremely detailed rooms of Versailles and other great French homes and palaces.

The same Rococo techniques were applied to portraiture. The female subjects were often painted in pink, a symbol of femininity, elegance, and wealth.