Between 1685 and 1720, the phenomenon know as the Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes dominated cultural life in France. For the first time, the concept of modernity was discussed on a broad scale. By the time the Querelle had subsided, a new style had been created: it became known as the “modern style.” The modern style revolutionized not only literature, music and the fine arts, but all the decorative arts as well - from furniture and clothing to candlesticks and clocks. 

Art historian Joan DeJean discusses this influencial style as part of the series, Mode et Modernité: The Object of Fashion which explores modernité as a concept valid over the centuries, with a special emphasis on the dialogue between la mode in interior decoration and la mode in fashion.

Recorded live Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Alliance Française de Chicago.