Between these two great figures of French history, Louis XIV and Louis XVI, King Louis XV is often forgotten. And his childhood, spent under the Regency, is even less well known to the general public. Between 1715 and 1723, France found itself in a peculiar political situation. The Musée Carnavalet invites us to learn more about this very special period, thanks to a brand-new exhibition running from October 20, 2023 to February 25, 2024.
Paintings, sculptures, furniture, decorative elements and graphic works are brought together in the museum to help us discover the Regency. In the exhibition Regency in Paris, Dawn of the Enlightenment, more than 200 different works tell the story of this ten-year period, which had a lasting impact on France, without us even realizing it.
But first, a little history. In 1715, Louis XIV died. His direct heirs had died a few years earlier, leaving the French throne partly empty. Louis XV, then aged five, became sovereign of France. Too young to reign, he had to step down temporarily. Philippe d'Orléans, the king's nephew, asserted his kinship rights to the crown, and took over the regency.
Political instability was rife, and the royal families fought over the throne. The state coffers were empty, and international political alliances came and went... At the same time, artists, thinkers, writers and inventors were transforming society.
Profound changes were taking place at the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment. Paris gradually established itself as the cultural capital of France, where the country's greatest writers gathered. Voltaire, Marivaux, Montesquieu, Law, Watteau... Each in their own field, these thinkers revolutionized their era.
The works in this exhibition bear witness to these changes, to thenew ideas that came to life and gained momentum, and to the power struggles that would lead, a few decades later, to the end of absolute monarchy...
The Regency only lasted eight years, but the wildest stories and most drastic changes took place during this short period. Illegitimate children, threats of war, bankruptcy and wealth, conspiracies, secret parties, betrayals and marital alliances... This chapter in history has all the ingredients of a soap opera!
Paintings, historical pieces and objets d'art tell the story of the Roaring Twenties, during which culture, craftsmanship and luxury developed at breakneck speed.
Let us take you on a journey through the centuries, and revisit the fascinating twists and turns ofFrench history. Join us at the Musée Carnavalet for an exceptional lesson!
Dates and Opening Time
From October 20, 2023 to February 25, 2024
Location
Carnavalet Museum
23 Rue de Sévigné
75003 Paris 3
Prices
Tarif réduit: €11
Plein tarif: €13
Official website
www.carnavalet.paris.fr
