Rocailles 1750 - 1775

Georg Leopold Hertel created this print called "Rocailles". It gives us a glimpse into the world of 18th-century design and decoration. During Hertel's time, design was more than just aesthetics, it was deeply intertwined with social status. Rococo, the style showcased here, became synonymous with the aristocracy. It symbolized wealth through its elaborate, ornamental designs. Look at the curves and flourishes, they evoke a sense of luxury and abundance. How might these designs function within the societal hierarchy? Consider that, while the upper classes enjoyed the beauty of Rococo, the lower classes did the labor. Hertel's print invites us to reflect on who had access to beauty, and who was excluded. The artist’s intentions are less important than the cultural context and social implications of the work.