Rococo less commonly Roccoco or Late Baroque, is an exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colors, sculpted molding to create surprise and the illusion of motion and drama. It is often described as the final expression of the Baroque movement. Rococo originated in Paris in the early 18th century but was soon adopted throughout France and later in other countries, principally Germany and Austria. It is characterized by lightness, elegance, and an exuberant use of curving natural forms in ornamentation. The Rococo style began in France in the 1730s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style. It was known as the "style Rocaille", or "Rocaille style". It also came to influence the other arts, particularly sculpture, furniture, silverware, glassware, painting, music, and theatre. Although originally a secular style primarily used for interiors of private residences, the Rococo had a spiritual aspect to it which led to its widespread use in church interiors, particularly in Central Europe, Portugal, and South America. (Credit: Rococo, Wikipeia) (Credit: Rococo, Britannica) (Link: Image Left: Ballroom ceiling of the Ca Rezzonico in Venice with illusionistic quadratura painting by Giovanni Battista Crosato (1753) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kaisersaal_W%C3%BCrzburg.jpg ) (Image Right: Integrated rococo carving, stucco and fresco at Zwiefalten Abbey (1739–45) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Zwiefalten_28_04_2011_23.jpg )
