Louis XV Mirrors

118 French Louis XV Period, Giltwood, Provençal Mirror Seller Mary Helen McCoy Louis XV ruled as King of France from 1 September 1715 until his death on 10 May 1774. Unexpectedly surviving the death of most of the royal family, he came to the throne at the age of 5 and ruled with the help of his uncle, until his 13th birthday were he took formal control of government.

(Picture French Louis XV Period, Giltwood, Provencial Mirror)

Research has suggested that he was very intelligent and dedicated to the task of ruling one of the largest areas of Europe, but many claim his lack of morals, and his inability to reform France lead to him to be amongst the most unpopular kings of France. He cherished his private life, and eventually married in 1725 to Marie Leszczynska, Princess of Poland where they had eleven children. During the time of Louis XV, a style surfaced which was called Rococo. Drawing from the previous baroque styles, the style was rich but with restraint. Furniture often featured inlaid work of various spectacular woods, metal, mother-of-pearl, and ivory. Lacquered chinoiserie also made its first appearance. The decorative techniques during this period were fabulous as ornamentation appeared everywhere from the architecture to the arts and every scale of design.