Francois Boucher
Today it is our last Sunday with the Alte Pinakothek collection in Munich. We hope you've enjoyed our selections. :) Time for a legendary Rococo heroine, Madame De Pompadour.
Four years after her marriage to Charles-Guillaume Le Normant d'Étiolles in 1745, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson became the mistress of Louis XV. Owing to her intellectual propensity, which impressed the king, she soon attained an elevated position at court, the climax of which was her being named on February 8, 1756, as the queen's lady-in-waiting (dame du palais), a position considered the most prestigious at the court, which accorded her with honors. To commemorate the occasion, this combination private and official portrait was painted by Boucher. At the same time, she effectively played the role of prime minister, becoming responsible for appointing advancements, favors, and dismissals, and contributing in domestic and foreign politics.
Pompadour took charge of the king's schedule and was a valued aide and advisor, despite her frail health and many political enemies. She secured titles of nobility for herself and her relatives and built a network of clients and supporters. She was particularly careful not to alienate the Queen, Marie Leszczyńska. Pompadour was a major patron of architecture and decorative arts, especially porcelain. She was a patron of the philosophes of the Enlightenment, including Voltaire.
All these in the times when a woman could become powerful only in such circumstances.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
P.S. Do you want to learn more about Madame de Pompadour's extraordinary life throughout her magnificent portraits? Click here to read more. :)
P.P.S. It is already February, if by any chance you don't have your 2022 calendars yet, check out our desk and wall ones here! Now with 40% discount!