Portrait of a Woman Scorned
The Fairer Sex Treated Not-So Fairly
Curated by Katherine Anderson

Francois Boucher, Madame de Pompadour, 1750.

Madame de Pompadour had all a rich, French woman could desire - an education, a fabulous wardrobe, close friendships with Voltaire and other prominent philosophes, and legendary poise. So it was no surprise when Louis XV honored her with the spot as his favorite mistress. Yet with this position came unconquerable amounts of hatred and scorn for poor Pompadour. Whether from jealousy or pure disgust, wealthy, impoverished, and royal Frenchmen shunned Louis' mistress even more than the indulgent princess that took her place.

Thus, when Louis XV commissioned Boucher, one of France's most esteemed portrait artists of the Rococo period, to illustrate Pompadour's grandiose life, the sound of dropping jaws rang across France. Now, Pompadour had permeated nearly all creative stimulation within the nation. With the painters and philosophers bowing at her feet, Madame de Pompadour became the emblem of French culture across Europe. Though the French people were embarrassed by this representation, Madame de Pompadour's portrait ushered in a new breed of female - informed, pampered, and respected by men.