Madame de Pompadour (1756) by Francois Boucher

Madame de Pompadour - Francois Boucher - 1756

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Artwork Information

TitleMadame de Pompadour
ArtistFrancois Boucher
Date1756
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions212 x 164 cm
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationAlte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany

About Madame de Pompadour

The artwork “Madame de Pompadour” by artist Francois Boucher, completed in 1756, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Rococo art movement. The portrait measures 212 by 164 centimeters and is currently housed in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany. Commissioned during a period that celebrated ornate and decorative art, this piece captures the essence of Rococo style through its intricate design and lavish detail.

The artwork depicts Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France, seated casually yet elegantly in a luxurious interior. She is dressed in an opulent, flowing gown of green silk adorned with floral patterns and pink ribbons that cascade around her, mirroring the Rococo taste for flamboyance and intricate textiles. Her pose is relaxed, with one hand holding a book and another gently resting on the fabric of her dress, suggesting both her intellect and her status as a patron of the arts and literature. Her face is rendered with a softness and a serene expression, characteristic of the period’s idealized portrayal of beauty.

The background and accessories within the artwork corroborate the status and refined taste of Madame de Pompadour. A rich golden drapery frames one side of the composition, with an ornate clock adorned with a cherub above her. Beside her, a desk is laden with luxurious objects, including books and writing implements, hinting at her cultural and intellectual engagements. A small dog is positioned near the bottom of the composition, which often symbolizes loyalty in portrait paintings. The meticulous attention to detail in the surroundings, as well as the play of texture and color, contribute to the artwork’s overall grandeur and allure, truly reflecting the splendor of the Rococo period.

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