King Louis Xv (France) Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

King Louis XV (1710-1774) reigned as King of France from 1715-1774, first with Philippe II, duc d'Orléans as Regent (1710-1723) and then guided by his advisor André Hercule de Fleury (1726-1743). The reign of the Bourbon king was known for both love and war. His mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, became as well known as the king himself. And, his 1725 marriage to Marie Leszcynska plunged France into the War of the Polish Succession. As a result of this and a number of succeeding wars, including the Seven Years War, expenses mounted, but Louis' court continued its extravagances and the government was nearly bankrupt by the end of his reign. His failure to solve the government's financial difficulties led directly to the French Revolution, which occurred during the reign of his successor, Louis XVI.