Today in another thread, baroque was discussed, and rococo mentioned briefly. Baroque
was massive, dark, and pnderous. Reaction, particularly in France led to rococo, which was
ornate, but light and bright. Both fell out of favor with time.

rococo
n.
5Fr < rocaille, rock work, shell work < roc < OFr roche, ROCK16
1 [occas. R3] a style of architecture, decorative art, music, etc. of the early 18th cent. developed from and in reaction to the Baroque and characterized by profuse and delicate ornamentation, reduced scale, lightness, grace, etc.
2 a style of architecture, music, etc. regarded, often disparagingly, as like this