Madame de Pompadour is painting by the French artist François Boucher (1703-1770) that was made in 1756. It is a portrait of Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, the mistress of the French king Louis XV. She is one of the great symbols of the 18th century and the French monarchy in its last golden age.
In this artwork we see Pompadour lounging on a sofa in her richly decorated apartments. She wears a green dress with pink ribbons and flowers. In her right hand she holds a book that sits on her lap. On the right side is a small writing desk with a quill and candle. On the the left side at the bottom sits a little black dog.
Pompadour sits behind a mirror that reflects the back of her head and some books in a cupboard. The room is decorated with a golden coloured wallpaper and curtains. There are roses below her feet and under her desk.
What does this portrait want us to think about Pompadour? The books want us to see her as a wise and intelligent woman. Dogs in portraits are usually a symbol of loyalty and fidelity. The richness of the clothing and her surroundings shows off Pompadour's great status and power. And yet the little flowers scattered about suggest a hidden delicateness.
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