The Age of Louis XV Author:Alvar Gonzalez Palacios 70 plates in full colour. The age of Louis XV. The arts during the reign of Louis XV were a perfect reflection of hte exuberant spirit of the times. The leader of this 18th centure "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... more », "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 commodes and writing-tables, and on the silver candlesticks and entree' 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- the paintings, sculptures, architecture, furniture, porcelain, tapestries and silver. While the author, fills in the fascinating background of the period.« less
A must have for the interior designer, those interested in the grand monarchies prior to the french revolution and those who love to look at full colour pictures of precious items from that age..