ROCOCO

The Rococo style followed on from the Baroque in France in the mid 18th century, and was a departure from the darker, heavier ornamentation and focus on the church.  It was lighter and more playful, and drew on nature and the outdoors for inspiration.   Aristocratic and rural subjects were depicted in a lighthearted, romantic style.  Shell-like formations and flowing S-curves were common, and Oriental-inspired motifs were integrated into the style.