The galant style was an 18th-century movement in music, visual arts and literature. In Germany a closely related style was called the empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style).^[1] Another close relative is rococo style.^{[clarification needed]} The galant style was drawn in opposition to the strictures of the Baroque style, emphasizing light elegance in place of the Baroque's dignified seriousness and high grandeur.^[2][3]

In music, the galant emphasis was on simplicity, immediacy of appeal, and elegance.^[4][5]

In fashion, galant featured perfumed handkerchiefs and powdered wigs for both sexes.^[6] The fantastic exotic asymmetry of bizarre silk patterns were symptomatic of galant tastes.^{[citation needed]}