5. Meet the French Royal Style: Madame de Pompadour
Madame de Pompadour was the favourite mistress of Louis XV. The King gifted her the title of Marquise de Pompadour, which she loved because it rhymes with ‘amour’, emphasizing her special place in the King's affections.
When she was 8 years old, a fortune teller predicted that she would grow up to win the heart of a king. Madame de Pompadour became a patron of the arts and instigated Salons that attracted a varied group of painters, sculptors, philosophers, and writers, including the renowned Voltaire. She collected books and her personal library consisted of over 3.500 volumes.
Whenever Louis XV’s attention waned, she would go on a strict diet of celery, vanilla and truffles. Adding a touch of whimsy to Versailles, Madame de Pompadour kept chickens in the palace gardens. This eccentricity showcased her influence over both the court and the royal residence.
Madame de Pompadour's impeccable taste extended to fashion, and her style became highly influential at the French court. She introduced a softer, more natural look, moving away from the elaborate and rigid styles of the time.
Furniture style
Rococo Loco. This new decor was filled with comfortable sofas, promoting conversations and amour! The centre of society was no longer Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, but the salons of Paris, where philosophers and artists would gather for discussions and pleasant debate. Madame de Pompadour contributed to the popularity of boudoir furniture, including intimate seating arrangements such as upholstered chairs and sofas designed for comfort and relaxation. She had a penchant for pastel colors, and this preference influenced the color palette of the furniture associated with her taste. Soft hues like light blues, pinks, and greens were often used.
Whenever Louis XV’s attention waned, she would go on a strict diet of celery, vanilla and truffles. Adding a touch of whimsy to Versailles, Madame de Pompadour kept chickens in the palace gardens. This eccentricity showcased her influence over both the court and the royal residence.
Madame de Pompadour's impeccable taste extended to fashion, and her style became highly influential at the French court. She introduced a softer, more natural look, moving away from the elaborate and rigid styles of the time.
Furniture style
Rococo Loco. This new decor was filled with comfortable sofas, promoting conversations and amour! The centre of society was no longer Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, but the salons of Paris, where philosophers and artists would gather for discussions and pleasant debate. Madame de Pompadour contributed to the popularity of boudoir furniture, including intimate seating arrangements such as upholstered chairs and sofas designed for comfort and relaxation. She had a penchant for pastel colors, and this preference influenced the color palette of the furniture associated with her taste. Soft hues like light blues, pinks, and greens were often used.
While there isn't a specific "Madame de Pompadour Furniture style," her tastes and preferences had a notable impact on the broader Rococo style of the period. She had a hairstyle named after her lovely locks, which was revived by Elvis Presley.
