Rococo, or Rocaille, a name given to the very debased style of architecture and decoration which succeeded the first revival of Italian architecture. It is ornamental design run mad, without principle or taste. The ornament consists of panels with their mouldings broken or curved at the angles, and filled with leafage, shell-work, musical instruments, marks, &c. This style prevailed in Germany and Belgium during the 18th century, and in France from the time of Henry IV. to the Revolution. The illustration shows an example from an altar in the church of St James, Antwerp.