Madame Pompadour

Madame du Pompadour was born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson. Her father was a steward to the Paris brothers who ran the economy of France. Though her parents were not of the noble class, Jeanne-Antoinette was raised to be the wife of a wealthy man. She was extremely talented and could act, dance, sing, and play the clavichord. Her marriage brought her out into society and she became well known as a star of the Paris salons.

In 1744, Jeanne-Annette caught the eye of the King Louis XV and became his mistress. She divorced her husband and was awarded the title Marquise de Pompadour. Louis XV had a tendency toward boredom, to keep him entertained Madame de Pompadour had a small theater built at Versailles and staged private plays for him. Famous artists were commissioned to paint the scenery, and Francois Boucher designed elaborate costumes for the actors. Madame de Pompadour played the leading role and directed the performances. Courtiers played the other parts.

Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour also shared an interest in architecture and the decorative arts. Madame de Pompadour's brother was appointed director of the King's buildings and he, the King, and Madame Pompadour planned and built a number of costly palaces, pavilions and summerhouses. They also patronized all forms of the decorative arts. Painters, sculptors, cabinetmakers, and craftsmen of all kinds were commissioned to decorate buildings and create elegant works of art. The period of Madame de Pompadour's influence is considered the very height of refined taste in France.