How did Rococo develop from late Baroque art?

The Rococo style emerged in early 18th-century Paris as a reaction against the heavy, monumental design and strict symmetry of the Baroque art associated with the reign of Louis XIV and the Palace of Versailles.12

The transition from late Baroque to Rococo involved several key shifts:

• From Symmetry to Asymmetry: While Baroque design maintained a classical commitment to symmetry, Rococo introduced asymmetrical forms, famously characterized by the "C" and "S" curves. It has been noted that the style began when scrolls stopped being symmetrical.12
• Scale and Intimacy: The grand, vast salons de réception of the 17th century were replaced by smaller, more intimate rooms designed for comfort and social interaction.2
• Ornamentation: Rococo moved away from the classical orders toward a lighter, more exuberant decorative vocabulary. This included the use of shell forms (derived from the French rocaille), naturalistic floral motifs, and delicate interlacings.12
• Influence of Exoticism: The importation of Chinese art, particularly porcelain and lacquer, provided a significant influence that lacked classical tradition, further encouraging the move toward asymmetry and novelty.2
• Color Palette: The style favored a lighter tonal key, utilizing ivory white, gold, and soft pastels, often enhanced by mirrors to create a sense of open space.12