Madame de Pompadour

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2019

The sitter in this painting, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, (1721 – 64) was born a commoner but rose to become one of the most powerful women in France. She is best known by her title Marquise de Pompadour, given to her in 1745 by King Louis XV, the same year she became his official mistress. Madame de Pompadour was defamed and vilified during her lifetime, viewed by members of the aristocracy as a threat to the social system in France. However, through these layers of scandal comes the image of a woman who was fiercely intelligent, well read and politically astute.

This portrait by Boucher is one of a number commissioned by Madame de Pompadour from the artist between 1750 and 1759 on the theme of Platonic friendship. It has often been interpreted as a reaction to the end of the sexual relationship between Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV, but is actually more of a demonstration of the Marquise’s increasing political power as friend and confidant to the King. This idea is symbolised by the sculpture in the background depicting Amitié comforting Amour (Friendship comforting Love), as well as by the small dog, a symbol of fidelity.