Historical Figure
Madame de Pompadour
1721–1764
Chief mistress of Louis XV (1721–1764)
Talk to Madame de Pompadour
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, commonly known as Madame de Pompadour, was a member of the French court. She was the official chief mistress of King Louis XV from 1745 to 1751, and remained influential as court favourite until her death.
Timeline
The story of Madame de Pompadour, told in moments.
Born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson in Paris. Her mother was rumored to be the mistress of a wealthy tax collector who paid for the girl's education. A fortune-teller told her mother she'd one day be the king's mistress. The family took it seriously.
Meets Louis XV at a masked ball at Versailles. She's 23, married, and beautiful. Within months she's installed at court as the official royal mistress. The title comes with apartments at Versailles, a coat of arms, and the right to sit on a stool in the queen's presence.
Engineers the Diplomatic Revolution. France allies with its old enemy Austria against Prussia. She personally corresponds with Empress Maria Theresa. She also founds the Sevres porcelain factory, protects Voltaire, and commissions Boucher to paint her six times.
Dies of tuberculosis at Versailles at 42. Louis XV watches the funeral cortege from a balcony in the rain. 'The marquise will have bad weather for her journey,' he says. He's crying.
In Their Own Words (1)
Artifacts (15)
Madame de Pompadour (1721–1764)
Jean-Baptiste Pigalle
Madame de Pompadour, reinado de Luis XV - Estampa
Grabador: Pauquet, Polydore (Lugar de nacimiento: París, 30/07/1800 - Lugar de defunción: París, 20/04/1879) Pintor: La Tour, Maurice Quentin de (Fecha de nacimiento: 05/09/1704 - Fecha de defunción: 17/02/1788)
Unknown lady, possibly madame de Pompadour, 1721-1764. Oil painting on canvas.
Fotoreproductie van een schilderij, voorstellende een portret van Madame de Pompadour
Fotoreproductie van een schilderij, voorstellende een portret van Madame de Pompadour
More from the Enlightenment
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Madame de Pompadour's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.