Art History Series: Madame de Pompadour by Maurice Quentin de La Tour, 1755

Madame de Pompadour by Maurice Quentin de La Tour, 1755

Madame de Pompadour by Maurice Quentin de La Tour, 1755

This much-coveted pastel portrait of Madame Pompadour finally appeared on display at the Salon in 1755. It is said that it took several years of pleading by the lady and her brother to convince La Tour to undertake and complete the painting.

The size is impressive - 177x131cm with exceptional detail and shows Madame Pompadour's interests - architecture, music, art and even engraving on the right side - the paper on the desk shows her in the process of learning engraving from Boucher.

My favorite part of the painting, however, is the wonderful sense of textile and detail on her dress. As an influential element in fashion, this painting serves as a historical record of the opulence that Madame Pompadour easily handled and brought to the royal court. As the sketches are supposed to have been taken in her chambers, we may also assume that the furniture and appearance of the room are also true or similar to the actual decor of her apartment, which I have already related was destroyed after her death.

Regards,

Julia

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