Rococo style historically follows the Baroque movement, which came after Renaissance and Mannerism of the 16^th and 17^th centuries.  Rococo is a term that comes from “rocaille”, a French term that can mean stone or shell and was used to refer to the grottoes of Versailles, the Royal Palace of the French Kings. Rococo was most popular in the early 18^th century, where it grew out of a response to the Baroque style of Louis XIV’s Versailles. Rococo is closely related to France although the style was popular in Germany and Austria, and to a lesser extent, England. English Rococo style tends to be more reserved and was done in imitation of the French style.

Rococo is a lighter and more elaborate style than Baroque or Renaissance. It is highly ornamented with both carved and gilded surface designs.  Rococo furniture also features marquetry, an inlaid pattern created with thin wood veneers. Ormolu, which is gilded bronze, can be seen as accents and pulls on furniture as well as accessories like candlesticks and candelabra.

Rococo designs tend to be asymmetrical and inspired both by nature and the influence of Chinese designs.  Shells, acanthus leaves, garlands, flowers, rock grottoes and even birds can be found tucked into the thickly carved designs typical of Rococo style. C-form scrolls and “rocaille” or shell shapes are hallmarks of Rococo ornamentation. Decorative furnishings like over-mantel mirrors and console tables were popular in the Rococo period. The curving, undulating shapes also carry over to objects like clocks and candlesticks, which tend to have asymmetrical forms.

Rococo style gave way to more linear designs of Louis XVI style and Neo-Classical style of the second half of the 18^th century.

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