Madame de Pompadour 1755

Maurice Quentin de La Tour's 1755 pastel portrait, "Madame de Pompadour," depicts the mistress of King Louis XV of France, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, in a relaxed pose, reading a book. The work captures the elegance and sophistication of the French aristocracy during the Rococo period. La Tour was a master of pastel, which allowed him to create subtle gradations of color and delicate textures. The portrait, housed in the Louvre, showcases Pompadour's refinement and intellectual pursuits, offering a glimpse into the life of a powerful and influential woman of the 18th century.