Rococo - Rococo "worldliness" and The Roman Catholic Church

Rococo "worldliness" and The Roman Catholic Church

An interesting illustration of the hostility sometimes aroused by this style (similar to that of early Modernists to High Victorian style) can be found in the critical view of Rococo taken by the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia, especially on the unsuitable nature of Rococo for ecclesiastical contexts. due to the style's lack of simplicity, its outwardness and its frivolity, all of which tend to distract from prayer and recollection.

When the outwardness of the style was toned down it became more acceptable in religious environments and contexts. As such, Rococo decoration was able to be incorporated in sacred architecture, although, due to the style's garishness, even when religious motifs were used the results might not have always been pleasing.

In the interiors of churches the style could be tolerated, especially when its elements were small or did not command too much attention. It was more consonant with the sacristy and other not-for-worship areas than with the church proper. Rococo is incompatible with the solemnity of the Divine Office, nor is it suitable for the elements of worship such as the Tabernacle, the altar or the pulpit. In regards to larger structures and objects, Rococo might be appealing –although perhaps only because of its baroque roots that eventually become apparent–, but its fantastic overtones and features are not suitable for the large walls of most churches.