From Rococo to Revolution: history, background, and philosophy

The Rococo was short and sweet.  It was like a palate cleanser in between two main dishes: the Baroque and Romantic Eras, which were very moving and almost emotionally taxing times.  The Rococo was much more lighthearted in it's artistic forms, which I will discuss in the next blog post. The time period for the Rococo was from about 1700-1815, meaning it took place during the American Revolution and Napolean's reign. 

Philosphy during this time was developed by Pope, Swift, Voltaire, Hume, Rousseau, and Paine.  It was dominated by satire and a cry for the need of social reform.  Below is an excerpt of an essay by Swift, called "A Modest Proposal." The whole essay is somewhat lengthy, but well worth the read.  Swift was known for his satiristic form of writing.  This work especially is known for it's brilliance in solving a problem (the burden of the poor in Ireland), albeit in a very unexpected and unnaturally calm way. 

"I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.

"I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.

"But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the streets...

"I do therefore humbly offer it to publick consideration, that of the hundred and twenty thousand children, already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only one fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle, or swine, and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages, therefore, one male will be sufficient to serve four females. That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter..."