Rococo originated in the early 1700s in France as a lighter, more ornate style that evolved from Baroque. It emphasized beauty, nature, and curved, asymmetrical designs inspired by shells and rocks. Rococo flourished during the reign of Louis XV and is seen in paintings like Boucher's Odalisque Brune depicting an aristocratic woman and Watteau's Venetian Pleasure showing an operatic scene. Furniture, interiors, fashion, and jewelry featured elaborate floral motifs, pastel colors, asymmetry, and natural themes reflecting the style's emphasis on beauty, lightness, and nature.

1. Rococo1700 - 1760

2. Rococo comes from the French words for rocks (rocaille) and shells (coquilles) and evolved from the baroque style. The Rococo style embodies light and beauty and is inspired by nature, people, curved lines and light colours. Items ranging from mall scale ornamental pieces to full scale architectural masterpieces.

3. King Louis xiv of France1638 - 1715

4. King Louis XIV referred to as the Sun King by some reigned over France for 72 years and saw the transition from the baroque to the rococo era. This transition saw the more formal and monumental imperial artwork of the 17th century give way to a lighter more personal form of expression. The more playful and delicate Rococo Designs were expressed more during the reign on Louis XV who was the grand son of the Sun King, taking over the throne at the tender age of four.

5. Brown Odalisque (L'Odalisque Brune) 1745François Boucher

6. This oil on canvas piece by Boucher is assumed to be of the artists wife Madame Boucher. The tile of the Painting, Odalisque means slave but here it is an aristocrat lounging on a sofa. the lady seems to be a Turkish woman who were fantasized about at the time as orientalismwas in vogue. You can slightly notice this by the shape of her eyes but it is ever so slight yet Boucher has still gotten away with it. It is also noted here that the woman does not stare directly into the viewers eyes

7. ,Venetian Pleasure 1718AntoineWatteau

8. There is a strong link between Rococo art and the performing arts as the paintings needed a plot and the theatre needed costumes and decor.In this piece by AntoinneWatteau we see an almost operatic setting with the woman in the centre being confronted by an oriental man. Again the fascination with people from the orient and the very soft light almost angelic colours used along with the cloudy, frilliness in the atmosphere.

9. The Swing 1766Jean-HonoreFragonard

10. ‘The Swing’ by Fragorand is known not only for its technical quality but also for the scandal involved. In the painting we see a girl on a swing with her dress fluttering and revealing her undergarments to a gentlemen below her. In the background it is said we can see her priest lover pushing her forward towards the man with a stick. The soft light colours and the astrosphere created with the flowing background is truly Rococo.

11. Rococo Fashion

14. Rococo fashion like their art and decor was rather elaborate with men in high heels and women with hair mounded on top of their heads with curls and twirls and strings of pearls. lightweight silks such as taffeta, satin were chosen as they were layered around the body several times. They were mainly light, pastel colours that were light and not too bold. Large floral motifs were popular at first, then smaller motifs and finally, stripes sprinkled with sprigs. Solid colours were also popular throughout the rococo era

15. Rococo Interiors

16. Rococo rooms were designed as total works of art .Each room was covered with elegant and ornate furniture, small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry all complementing architecture, reliefs, and wall paintings. The furniture has floral like motifs caved into them and everywhere you looked there was decor, they were very over the top but very glamorous and cosy at the same time.

17. Rococo Furniture

18. Rococo Jewellery

19. Rococo style is marked by asymmetry of their naturalistic designs. Many flowers, foliage, ribbon, scrollwork and feathers were the images depicted. They would either be engraved or embossed on the metal. During Rococo the use of enamel in jewellery had been completely abandoned as a form of a decorative technique. The Rococo Style can be said to be mainly found in functional jewellery such as chatelaines and snuff boxes..