Philippe d'Orléans

Philippe d'Orléans, a prominent figure of the French royal family, served as the Regent of the Kingdom from 1715 to 1723, a period known as the Regency. As the nephew of Louis XIV, Philippe d'Orléans was anointed Regent during the minority of Louis XV, a role that allowed him to significantly influence the political and cultural landscape of France. Known for his patronage of the arts, he supported notable figures such as Jean-Antoine Watteau and the young Voltaire, fostering a glamorous and modernizing era. His reign was marked by a fascinating transition, blending the opulence of the ancien régime with the burgeoning ideas of the Enlightenment. Philippe d'Orléans' legacy is one of political acumen and cultural refinement, making him a pivotal figure in French history.