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Now until 29th January an exhibition of “Prague Rococo” can be seen in Clam-Gallas Palace. The exhibition offers a concise view of life in the Capital City at the end of the 18th century. It is organised by Prague City Archive and Prague City Museum.

The exhibition of Prague Rococo takes us to Prague of about 1741-1791, to a period when rococo style was blooming, but also a time of development of enlightenment, rationalism and the rise of reminiscent classical antiquity in art. The defining dates are Maria Theresa’s accession to the throne and the Prague coronation of Leopold II.

Exhibits from museums, galleries and libraries

The basis of the exhibition is formed by items from everyday life, furniture, clothing, small common items, pictures, sculptures, graphic work, books and other exhibits from the collections and funds of the organising institutions. Remarkable collector’s items are also on loan from other historical institutions such as the Museum of Decorative Arts, the National Gallery, the National Museum, Strahov Library, Prague Castle Archive and important private collections.

The city under the hand of fate

In the era of colourful and decorative interiors, however, the lifestyle of Prague residents changed fundamentally. Theresian and Josephian reforms liberalised attitudes in general, brought changes in religious, social, business, demographic and cultural relations. At that time a form of national life began to awaken, education and science began to develop. An important milestone in the history of Prague was the year 1784, when four previously separate Prague towns were joined together under one council. The exhibition will also recall other historical events which significantly influenced the life of the city, whether it was siege or occupation of the city by foreign troops, climatic catastrophe, or major changes in the lifestyle and existential relations of its inhabitants.

The playfulness of rococo décor

The main aspect of rococo as an artistic style is its “rocaille” – asymmetrical, richly articulated decoration and ornate corners. The central characteristic is decorativeness, detail, playfulness; grand themes are abandoned in content and form. In relation to the concept of rococo we can talk of the lifestyle associated with characteristic fashion, rococo came into its own primarily in the approach to interiors and interior fittings; rooms were designed as works of art with elegant, decorated furniture, small sculptures, decorative mirrors and upholstery, complemented by reliefs and murals, stoneware and porcelain were new elements in interiors. Rococo style could be found not only in the homes of the aristocracy, but also in those of the rich townsfolk. Other inhabitants of the city tried to approximate this fashion in a simplified form.

The exhibition is accompanied by a special publication containing 13 expert studies and more than 100 colour details, an information leaflet and a complete list of the displayed exhibits.