The French Régence (1715 -1723) was a period of transition following the death of Louis XIV, the Sun King. This term specifically refers to the period in France when Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, acted as regent for the young Louis XV after Louis XIV's death. This period saw a move away from the pomp and grandeur of Louis XIV's design preferences. The focus shifted to a more intimate, graceful and asymmetrical refined style. Elegance and curved, flowing lines were a few characteristics of the style.

 

Marble was considered a high-end material, associated with wealth and grandeur, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the elite during periods like the Louis XV and Louis XVI eras.  The natural beauty of marble, with its unique veining and subtle luster, added a touch of elegance and visual interest to the furniture. French artisans often selected marble slabs for their color, veining, and durability, and carefully polished them to enhance their natural beauty. Marble is a naturally hard and dense stone, making it resistant to scratches, chips, and damage. It is also heat-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for surfaces like commodes and buffets, which were used for both storage and serving.  Marble tops provided a beautiful contrast to the intricately carved and often gilded wooden bases of French furniture. The thick overhanging tops also helped to accentuate the forms of the furniture pieces.