The Rococo style of art emerged in France in the early 18th century as a continuation of the Baroque style, but in contrast to the heavier themes and darker colors of the Baroque, the Rococo was characterized by an opulence, grace, playfulness, and lightness. Rococo motifs focused on the carefree aristocratic life and on lighthearted romance rather than heroic battles or religious figures; they also revolve heavily around nature and exterior settings. In the mid-late 18th century, rococo was surpassed by the Neoclassic style.

The word Rococo was apparently a combination of the French rocaille, or shell, and the Italian barocco, or Baroque style. Due to Rococo love of shell-like curves and focus on decorative arts, some critics used the term to derogatively imply that the style was frivolous or merely fashion; interestingly, when the term was first used in English in about 1836, it was a colloquialism meaning "old-fashioned". However, since the mid 19th century, the term has been accepted by art historians. While there is still some debate about the art historical significance of the style, rococo is now widely recognized as a major period in the development of European art.

Historical development

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samredlich (Sam Redlich) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:53:09 -0000
Fourth Street Live loses Rocky Rococo http://bit.ly/8eEIaV Feed Via Moroever
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frenchcupboard (frenchcupboard) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:23:08 -0000
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Luv u !! xoxo RT @AmandaBarberio: Finally done working like an animal....Boxing Day and Boxing week have been keeping me busy at the #Rococo
elenaborsellino (Elena Borsellino) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:40:42 -0000
Luv u !! xoxo RT @AmandaBarberio: Finally done working like an animal....Boxing Day and Boxing week have been keeping me busy at the #Rococo
@virginiarz ojala q te haga un peinado bien rococo tu primita :p
CarenAnez (Caren Añez Valbuena ) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:24:42 -0000
@virginiarz ojala q te haga un peinado bien rococo tu primita :p
@listensto Cocteau Twins - Rococo
RojoyNegroRadio (Radio Free Morituri) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:47:39 -0000
@listensto Cocteau Twins - Rococo
Finally done working like an animal....Boxing Day and Boxing week have been keeping me busy at the #Rococo
AmandaBarberio (Amanda Barberio) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:58 -0000
Finally done working like an animal....Boxing Day and Boxing week have been keeping me busy at the #Rococo

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