Louis XV was the King of France from 1715 until his death in 1774. He ascended to the throne at the age of five after the death of his great-grandfather, Louis XIV. His reign is often characterized by a decline in royal authority and increasing discontent among the French populace, which eventually contributed to the French Revolution. During his rule, Louis XV faced numerous challenges, including military defeats and financial crises. He is known for his patronage of the arts and architecture, commissioning works from notable figures like François Boucher and Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Despite his efforts, his reign is often viewed as a period of stagnation for the French monarchy.