Light, sensuous, intensely decorative French style developed early eighteenth century following death of Louis XIV and in reaction to the Baroque grandeur of Versailles. Name comes from French rocaille, rock-work, based on forms of sea shells and corals. In practice style of short curves, scrolls and counter curves, often elaborated with fantasy. In painting, Rococo prettiness, gaiety, curvaceousness and sensuality exemplified in work of Boucher, Fragonard, Watteau and sculpture of Clodion. (Superb examples Rococo art and decoration in Wallace Collection, London; also Victoria and Albert Museum for Clodion). Brought to Britain by Mercier and robust British version in Hogarth, but influence in Britain reached height in the dazzling female portraits of Gainsborough.