Which statement best completes the description of how Rococo ornament changes?

Which statement best completes the description of how Rococo ornament changes?

• A. More angular; furniture backs become taller and straighter; cross-stretcher appears
• B. More geometric; furniture backs become broader; rosettes disappear
• C. More curvilinear; furniture backs become shorter and curves; x-stretcher disappears
• D. More minimal; furniture backs become flat; rails disappear

Answer: (C)

Rococo ornament evolves by leaning more into flowing, sinuous curves rather than rigid geometry. As the style develops, furniture designs emphasize lighter, more graceful lines, which is why backs that are shorter and curve gracefully feel consistent with late Rococo sensibilities. The disappearance of the X-stretcher signals a move away from heavy cross-bracing toward lighter, continuous rails that preserve an open, airy silhouette. So, the description that best fits this shift is that ornament becomes more curvilinear, with furniture backs shortened and curved, and the cross-stretcher disappears. The other directions—toward angular, geometric, or minimal forms—do not align with Rococo’s characteristic emphasis on fluid curves and decorative complexity.

Rococo ornament evolves by leaning more into flowing, sinuous curves rather than rigid geometry. As the style develops, furniture designs emphasize lighter, more graceful lines, which is why backs that are shorter and curve gracefully feel consistent with late Rococo sensibilities. The disappearance of the X-stretcher signals a move away from heavy cross-bracing toward lighter, continuous rails that preserve an open, airy silhouette. So, the description that best fits this shift is that ornament becomes more curvilinear, with furniture backs shortened and curved, and the cross-stretcher disappears. The other directions—toward angular, geometric, or minimal forms—do not align with Rococo’s characteristic emphasis on fluid curves and decorative complexity.