Rococo painting is characterised by its preference for colour, especially for delicate pastel shades. Colourful chalk was used to paint on the roughened ground, which made it possible to correct the artwork. Emotion clearly took precedence over rational thinking. 

Monumental ceiling paintings went out of fashion and were replaced by charming and delicate compositions. Rococo themes were atmospheric, cheerful and often naive. Festivals in the midst of nature or picturesque views of famous cities and landscapes were the ideal model for painting. 

Society was quite wealthy and encouraged the creation of masterful portraits. Pastel shades were popular, as their soft colours created an emotional mood. 

There were two directions in French Rococo art. One direction served to emphasise courtly taste, while the other focused on the beauty of nature and the common people. Dramatic effects were created through the interplay of colours and chiaroscuro contrasts.