The Age of Louis Xv

The arts during the reign of Louis XV were a perfect reflection of the exuberant spirit of the times. The leader of this 18th century "permissive society" was Madame de Pompadour, the King's mistress, who had a decisive influence on the arts, as on everything else, giving them, as the author remarks, "just that exquisitely graceful and feminine touch which still fascinates us today." This feminine touch is best seen in the asymmetrical swirling lines of the Rococo style which dominated the decorative arts in the first half of the 18th century. Whorls appeared on the magnificent furniture as lavish ormolu mounts on commodes and writing-tables, and on the silver candlesticks and entrée dishes that twist and twirl. Even Boucher's coy nudes are painted with the same voluptuous contortions. The splendid illustrations bring out the vitality and charm of all the arts - painting, sculpture, architecture, furniture, porcelain, tapestries and silver - while the author, Alvar Gonzalez-Palacios, fills in the fascinating background of the period.