Art History Series: Madame de Pompadour - The Finale

Madame de Pompadour by Francois Boucher, 1759

The remarkable Madame Pompadour, unfortunately, does not live long. Her frail health betrayed her at age 42, and even some of her political enemies expressed admiration for her courage in the final weeks of her illness. Louis XV remained faithful to the end and cared for her during this time.

I first wanted to show the last portrait that was started before her death, but I think this painting reflects her nature better. Genuinely funny, smart and wayward – challenging the status quo and going beyond it on a regular basis. Did you know that she introduced the placing of freshly picked flowers in a vase in homes, as well as popularized the keeping of goldfish in bowls as pets? And elements of her fashion and hairstyles still often appear in current fashion collections, as well as Elvis Presley's famous hairstyle - slicked back hair is actually called a 'Pompadour'?

Her presence in a garden near the grotto in the painting clearly indicates her intention to explore her sexuality without being a slave to order. A woman who followed her own taste and desires until the end of her days, she rightfully ranks among the most significant women in history. A big influence on history, art, architecture, and a powerful political figure, she says something that I feel very close to my soul: "Every day I want to make the world more beautiful than I found it," and her legacy lives on for centuries after her.

Merci beaucoup, Madame!

Regards,Julia

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