Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour
- Born:
- December 29, 1721, Paris, France
- Died:
- April 15, 1764, Versailles, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Courtier, Patron of the Arts, Advisor to Louis XV
Early Life and Education
- Born to Louise Madeleine de La Motte and, officially, François Poisson (though her biological father was likely financier Charles François Paul Le Normant de Tournehem).
- Received a private education focusing on arts, literature, music, and etiquette.
- Known for her beauty and wit from a young age, prophesied to "become the King's mistress."
- Married Charles Guillaume Le Normant d'Étiolles in 1741.
Career and Major Achievements
- Attracted the attention of King Louis XV during a royal hunt in 1745.
- Became the King's mistress and was ennobled as Marquise de Pompadour.
- Exerted significant influence over French court and politics.
- Acted as a key advisor to Louis XV on matters of state, foreign policy, and appointments.
- Played a crucial role in the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756, forging an alliance with Austria.
- Commissioned and patronized numerous artists, architects, and writers, fostering the arts and sciences.
- Supported the development of the Sèvres porcelain manufactory.
- Protected the Encyclopédie from censorship.
Notable Works
- Significant Patronage of the Arts: Sèvres Porcelain, numerous paintings and sculptures, architectural projects.
- Influence on Architectural Projects: Petit Trianon, Place Louis XV (now Place de la Concorde).
- Extensive correspondence with political figures and intellectuals.
Legacy and Impact
Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, left a lasting legacy as a powerful and influential figure in 18th-century France. Her patronage of the arts and sciences contributed significantly to French culture, and her political influence shaped the course of European history. The biography of Madame de Pompadour reveals a woman who defied societal expectations and wielded considerable power in a patriarchal world.