Regence
From 1715 to 1725.
At the death of Louis XIV, the future Louis XV, was only 5 years old. His uncle, Philippe, the Duc of Orleans became Regent and a wind of renewal and change swept through France, bringing a freedom of expression and artistic creativity after years of classicism and formality.
Versailles and the court remained the center of activity, but Paris took on the role of leader in the arts, especially through the great literary salons lead by prominent women. Powerful aristocratic and bourgeois families built sumptuous townhouses, with smaller rooms and decorations that focused on lightness, color and warmth.
