REGENCE 1715-1730

Philippe d'Orleans was Regent during the minority of Louis XV from 1715 to 1723. It was during this period that the 'Regence' style, a transitional phase between Baroque (Louis XIV) and Rococo (Louis XV), was developed.
The most common motifs, carved or engraved in bronze, are symmetrical shells and palmettes. The era is noted for the creation of the bureau plat (large, heavily decorated writing table), the commode en tombeau (or bombé commode), and the fauteuil canné (caned armchair).
An appreciation of comfort, under the reign of Louis XV, will lead to a new 'art de vivre'.

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