Rococo

The death of Louis XIV in 1715 shook up French society. He had presided over France as the Sun King from his palace in Versailles. The stylistic and cultural influence of his court are undeniable. After his death, the elite of France moved from their courtly life to socializing in private homes. The early 18th century is marked by a resurgence in aristocratic social, political, and economic power. The hôtels (elegant private homes) of the elite became the center of the social scene and were dominated by the femmes savantes. Paris becomes the center of a new soft-focus, curvy artistic style called Rococo. The cultural vibe is light-hearted, leisurely, sensuous, and decadent.
But, around the corner revolution is about to change everything. The French Revolution, the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, change is rampant in the late 18th and early 19th century.