Bust of Madame de Pompadour

myminifactory

Bust of a woman, Madame de Pompadour, (1721-1764), crafted from white marble with precision and skill. She gazes to her right, her hair styled in two elegant braids drawn over the top of her head, secured by a ribbon at the front. A flowing drapery is draped over her shoulders, gently cascading down a low-cut gown that hints at her left breast. The bust bears an identifying signature and date on its reverse side. The bust stands proudly on a circular pedestal base with a concave profile, carefully carved from one solid piece of marble. Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, also known as Madame de Pompadour, held a prominent position at the French court and served as the official mistress of Louis XV from 1745 to 1751. She continued to wield significant influence as the king's favorite until her untimely death. A skilled organizer, she took charge of the king's schedule and proved herself to be a trusted aide and advisor, despite struggling with frail health and facing numerous political adversaries. Madame de Pompadour worked tirelessly to secure titles of nobility for herself and her relatives, building a network of loyal clients and supporters in the process. She was particularly cautious not to alienate Marie Leszczyńska, the queen, who held significant power at court. On February 8, 1756, Madame de Pompadour was appointed as the thirteenth lady-in-waiting to the queen, a position considered the most esteemed in the land. As a patron of the arts and architecture, she played a pivotal role in promoting French culture during her time. Her influence extended to decorative arts, such as porcelain, and she actively supported prominent philosophers like Voltaire. Despite facing criticism from hostile detractors who labeled her as a malevolent force, historians now recognize her achievements as a champion of French pride and a patron of the arts. Madame de Pompadour, circa 1800-1900; Waddesdon (National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 624.Photo: A C Cooper National Trust, Waddesdon ManorThese images are made available under the Creative Commons license agreement: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0