Final answer:
French society in the late 17th century was marked by stark social stratification, with the wealthy aristocracy living in luxury while the burden of taxes fell on the majority. This inequity played a significant role in fomenting the conditions that eventually led to the French Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
French Society in the Late 17th Century
The late 17th century in France was characterized by a stark division of social classes and the consolidation of royal power. The aristocracy, representing a minuscule portion of the French population, held enormous wealth and political influence. They led lifestyles of luxury and excess, often focusing on leisure activities and romantic intrigues, while the middle class began to grow and become more discontent with this imbalance.
This period in history also saw Italy's influence on French painting, with the Baroque movement leaving a significant mark on the aesthetics of the time.
However, such artistry was largely enjoyed by the privileged few. Meanwhile, the rest of the French population, consisting of peasants, urban workers, and the bourgeoise middle class, bore heavy tax burdens and did not benefit from the wealth concentrated within the aristocracy, creating the tensions that led to the French Revolution of 1789.