King Louis XV (1710-1774) reigned during a period of peace and prosperity. Between 1745 and 1765, his favorite mistress was Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson. She was a married woman from the middle class, and he gave her the title of Marquise de Pompadour. She was educated, intelligent, and charming. She supported writers such as Voltaire, Diderot, and Montesquieu, and encouraged many artists.
