The eighteenth century in France witnessed the death of Louis XIV, the Regency, the reign of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

This century has seen five different styles: the Regency, the Louis XV, the transition, the Louis XVI and finally the "Directoire".

Historically the eighteenth century begins in 1715 with the death of Louis XIV and ends in 1815 with the fall of Napoleon the 1st.

In terms of decorative arts, this century so called "the Enlightenment century", remains a reference. The whole of Europe will be influenced by these different artistic movements.

How can we explain such different styles? from Barocco to the refinement of the Louis XV style and finally the neo-classicism.

In the early eighteenth century, France is the most powerful country in Europe. French is the language spoken by all European elites and French art radiates over much of Europe.

The development of decorative arts and its development are intimately linked to the history of France.

The Louis XV style appears between 1730 and 1760. It is followed by the Transition style, from 1758 until 1775.
Louis XVI style began around 1774 (beginning of the reign of KingLouis XVI) and ends around 1785, shortly before the French Revolution.
The Directoire style will succeed.