28/08/2026
Please say, “enchanté” to Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, (1721-1764), Madame la Marquis de Pompadour.
She has been recoreded here for us by Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, (1704-1788). The precise dating for this life sized pastel portrait is not known though it is likely from 1755. That would place it after her position as chief mistress to King Louis XV. She had that post from 1745-1751, and she remained an influential court favorite until her death.
Her grace, charm and her excellent taste brought her to the attention of the King. Many courtiers were scandalized that the King would so compromise himself by associating with a commoner. Her title as Marquise was one she acquired after meeting him.
In this pastel portrait she is shown seated in her study. She has a large folio of music in her hands and there is a guitar partly visible behind her. She wears a gown with a white silk satin ground and a supplementary brocade weave of flowers and leaves. The stomacher she wears with this gown is decorated in a very popular manner with a ladder of ribbon bows. Such a stomacher would have been correct for day or less formal wear. Since Jeanne Antoinette is in her study, it is entirely correct. There is a subtle and quietly flirtatious detail in this painting. The underskirt of her gown has been caught up while she sits, revealing a delicious peek at the embroidered hem of what may be her chemise.
At this time in the century, hairdressing decreed that hair be worn close to the head and curled. Powdering was already quite popular.
Collection of the Louvre Museum, Paris.
