Toulouse was a buzzing hive of artistic activity. The numerous commissions from monks during the Counter-reformation in the 17th Century and commissions from the Capitouls (high-level members of local government) for public buildings at the end of the 17th Century and in the 18th Century gave Toulouse a polish few other French towns were able to achieve. These commissions were entrusted to artists who were highly acclaimed in France and throughout Europe, testifying to the good taste and discernment of the patrons.