She Was King Louis XV’s Chief Mistress From 1745 To 1751, Became Involved In French Politics, And Played A Vital Role In Positioning Paris As An Art Capital In The World
There hasn’t been a French monarchy since the French Revolution and 1792, yet people love learning about French monarchs with all their glamour, political errors, extravagance, scandals, etc.
One of the more interesting figures associated with French monarchs is Madame de Pompadour, one of King Louis XV’s mistresses who made quite an impact during her time at the Palace of Versailles.
Madame de Pompadour, otherwise known as Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, was the chief mistress of Louis XV during his reign as the king of France from 1745 to 1751.
Many royal mistresses often had scandalous reputations, and Madame de Pompadour was no exception.
However, she was a particularly powerful mistress, to the point where some French citizens blamed her for the monarchy’s downfall.
Jeanne had met Louis XV for the first time in 1744. She was married then and very popular amongst French salons, which is how Louis XV learned who she was before they met.
By 1745, she became the king’s mistress, separated from her husband, and moved to Versailles, where she had her own apartment directly above the king.
Jeanne was given her official title, Marquise de Pompadour, to be presented to the royal court. Once she formed a good relationship with the royal family, she was “in” and became well-known at Versailles.
Jeanne quickly became Louis XV’s favorite mistress and closest advisor. Because of that, she was given a lot of power and would control who was and wasn’t allowed to meet with the king. It’s been said that she would occasionally give public statements in place of the king.
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Having earned a role that essentially made her a prime minister, Jeanne became involved in the king’s politics.
This didn’t serve her well after France failed in the Seven Years War, and citizens often blamed her for the country’s performance.
King Louis XV didn’t have the greatest political reputation, as he was one generation away from the French Revolution. But through it all, Jeanne stuck by his side despite having to face harsh criticism for his downfalls.
One of the more positive things Jeanne is remembered for is her contributions to the arts. She played a big role in making Paris one of the most cultured cities in the world.
She supported many local artists and creators, including a French porcelain manufacturer she purchased, which became one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers in Europe.
Jeanne patronized numerous famous French artists and helped popularize the Rocco architecture and art style. She was also an artist herself and practiced printmaking, playing music, making etchings, etc.
King Louis XV remained devoted to Jeanne all the way through her later years. During her early 40s, she fell ill with tuberculosis, and the king helped nurse her through the illness. She passed away in 1764 at 42.
While some may write her off as just another king’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour greatly impacted France as a country and is remembered for her powerful position.
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