Women's secrets of the Marquise de Pompadour or the uncrowned queen of France. For everyone and about everything Who is Madame Pompadour

The trendsetter of the Rococo era, the first female prime minister, the Marquise de Pompadour, was born in France at the end of 1721. The little girl was given the name Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson at birth. She was of low origin: her father, Francois Poisson, served as a footman, and when he went bankrupt, he was forced to flee to Germany so as not to be hanged. The girl's mother, Louise Madeleine, who was known for her beauty and feminine charm, quickly found a guardian for the children in the person of the syndic Lenormand de Tournhem.

The financier was so careful about adopted daughter that those around him began to have doubts about Zhanneta’s true origins. He provided the girl with an excellent education for those times: she learned singing, drawing, dancing and manners. At the age of nine, Zhanneta was taken to the salon of the fortune teller Madame Le Bon, who uttered a prophecy that influenced the girl’s biography. Madame Le Bon announced that Jeanne would be destined to become the king's favorite. Since then, this destination has become the girl’s dream.

Personal life

At the age of 19, Jeanne Antoinette married, at the insistence of her stepfather, his nephew Charles Guillaume. He was not much older than the girl, but inherited a decent fortune. After the wedding in the Church of St. Eustace, the newlyweds moved to Etiol, the husband's family castle, which was located not far from Versailles. Three years later, the first-born appeared in the family - daughter Alexandrina, who soon died. The same fate awaited all the other children of the couple: they died in infancy. It is unknown whether this fact upset Zhanneta or not - she was completely absorbed in fulfilling her dream.

The favorable location of Madame d'Etiol's estate played into her hands in achieving her goal. Louis XV often drove past their house, and young Jeannette at these moments tried to walk closer to the road so that the king could admire its beauty. Once, during a thunderstorm, the returning heir to the throne even visited the castle of the couple d'Etiol. As a sign of gratitude for the hospitality shown by the owner of the house, Louis gave him the antlers of a freshly killed deer, which turned out to be very symbolic.

But all attempts at dating for Zhanna ended in failure. Even her daily promenade in charming outfits through the Senar forest, which she organized in the hope of seeing the king hunting, ended in failure: she was noticed by Louis’s permanent favorite, the Duchess de Chateauroux. The lady had a tough temper and mercilessly dealt with all her rivals. Therefore, Zhannette had to stop her attempts to avoid any trouble.

But luck was ultimately on Madame d'Etiol's side. The previous mistress died suddenly from complications of pneumonia, and her place was vacant. An opportunity also presented itself to see the king in person. A yew masquerade ball was announced, which took place at the Paris Town Hall in connection with the wedding of the heir and the Spanish Princess Maria Theresa. Zhanneta, taking advantage of her status, boldly went to meet fate.

All participants in the event, including Louis, wore masks. Zhanneta chose the costume of Diana the Huntress. A talented girl arranges everything in such a way as to find herself opposite the king as often as possible and thereby intrigue him. He tried several times to see her face, but Zhanna waited until the last moment. When the mask was finally removed, the incensed Louis was delighted with the beauty of the stranger. That same evening they had their first dinner together. In the morning, the king said goodbye to his mistress, considering that it was a one-night affair. The beauty, meekly obeying, left the royal chambers.

This behavior intrigued Louis: none of the girls had done this before. And he decided to continue the novel. Zhanneta acted out her next visit to the royal chambers with all her inherent acting talent. She presented her visit as an escape from the hands of an angry, jealous husband, and asked the adored king for protection. The discouraged Louis XV, seeing the woman’s genuine suffering, provided her with protection. After some time, he bought her the title of Marquise de Pompadour and a castle near Versailles. After this, Zhanneta became the official royal favorite.

Louis XV

Louis XV was known as a bored heir to the throne who did not like to study state affairs, so he was not often present at ministerial meetings. His wife was former princess Polish Maria Leshchinskaya. The Dauphin's parents married him when he was only 15 and his bride was 22. long years After marriage, about 10 children were born into the royal family, and then doctors forbade the queen to have intimacy with her husband. And Louis XV turned his attention to the pretty ladies-in-waiting. Only with women did the king feel truly free. His pious wife, showing prudence, did not interfere in her husband’s personal life. With her inherent dignity, she continued to reign on the throne.

Women of Louis XV: Maria Leszczynska, Duchess of Chateauroux, Louise la Morfil, Madame DuBarry

While the newly-minted marquise learned to find a common language with her patron, things turned out to be more difficult with the courtiers. For a long time they did not recognize her as having any rights and behind her back they called her disdainfully “grisette.” But kind communication with Queen Mary unexpectedly brought the Marquise de Pompadour patronage from her side. And such tricks as the arrangement of the marquise’s office in Versailles, in which there was only one chair for its mistress, taught the aristocrats to treat her courteously.

Jeannette immediately realized that she could not keep Louis’ attention for long with love tricks alone. And she used the entire arsenal of methods known to her.

The first thing the Marquise did was organize a salon in which she offered to collect high society and invite leading people of the time: scientists, poets, playwrights, artists and musicians. Louis liked this idea, and he gladly participated in the entertaining discussions that took place within the walls of this society. Gradually, the nobility became interested in the salons of the Marquise de Pompadour. Many aristocrats found it beneficial to have the opportunity to personally meet royalty.

Such meetings were attended by progressive personalities of the time. Funds flowed from the royal treasury for science, art, and theater. And in the Chamber Theater, donated by the Marquise de Pompadour, in which she herself played with pleasure, the first production of the comedy “Tartuffe” took place. With the assistance of Zhanneta, the French scientific Encyclopedia was also published.

Achievements

The king, seeing the enterprise and diplomacy of his girlfriend, involves her in solving state issues. With the light hand of Jeannette, France terminated its alliance with Prussia and entered into a partnership agreement with Austria. With the assistance of the marquise, a military school was opened for noble offspring. This institution in a few years will become the “alma mater” for the future emperor. The Marquise de Pompadour encouraged her patron to completely ban the activities of the Jesuits in France.

Jeanne contributed to the creation of a porcelain factory in the city of Sevres, she introduced a special cut into use precious stones, as well as the use of tulip glasses for champagne. It is believed that the mold for these glasses was a cast of the French beauty's breasts. Women can still be grateful to the Marquise de Pompadour for her invention of the reticule - a small handbag for small ladies' needs.

Appearance

Memories of contemporaries about the appearance of the Marquise de Pompadour vary in essence. Some attributed to her only charm and artistry, others sincerely admired her beauty. One thing is known: if the marquise had beauty and freshness, she owed this to her talent for hiding her morbidity. WITH early age Zhanneta was diagnosed with tuberculosis. But her innate sense of taste allowed the marquise not only to look great, but also to become a trendsetter.

She was the first to wear heels to make up for her short stature and was the first woman to wear stockings. For many years, her high hairstyle became a sign of the times, which is depicted in many lady portraits of that era. And photos of the marquise herself can now be found in large quantities on the Internet.

Last years

Of course, the marquise, like all ladies of her position, had ill-wishers, but she knew how to competently neutralize them. Behind the outer shell of a carefree feminine person hid a calculating mind and pragmatism. In addition, for many years Zhanneta struggled with her cold female temperament, consuming large quantities of celery and truffles - products recognized in the 18th century as powerful aphrodisiacs. But, having lived with Louis XV for several years in a close relationship, the marquise calmly gave up her place to new young mistresses, without losing the king’s favor and friendship.

The slowly progressing disease forced Zhanna to take extreme measures and hold on with all her might. But after a series of attacks, the marquise died in the personal royal chambers. She was 43 years old and died on April 15, 1864.

Doctors returned a verdict that the cause of death was lung cancer. The funeral was modest. The body of the Marquise de Pompadour now rests in the family crypt of the Capuchin monastery, next to the graves of mother and daughter.

Movies

Cinema became truly interested in the life story of the legendary trendsetter quite recently, in 2006. The historical series “Jeanne Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour” was filmed by French film director Robin Davis. The 2006 film starred French screen stars Hélène de Foujrol, Charlotte de Turheim, and Rosemary La Volle. This was the first attempt at the most reliable representation of the Marquise de Pompadour's stay at the court of the Bourbon dynasty.

When a young aristocrat Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson was 9 years old, a fortune teller predicted her a love affair with the king. However, what really awaited the girl in the future was much more significant than any prediction. She was destined to become not just another hobby of the loving monarch, but the most influential favorite Louis XV and manage not only his heart, but also state affairs.

Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour. Portrait by Francois Boucher. Photo: reproduction

Marriage of convenience

Jeanne Antoinette Poisson's origins were not as illustrious as she would have liked. The girl's father, financier small hand, stole and abandoned his family. She owed her education and wealth primarily to to the foster parent — Le Norman de Tournham. He also found a husband for the future marquise. At 19 years old young Zhanna went down the aisle with nothing remarkable except her fortune, Charles Guillaume, owner of the Etiol estate near Paris. The groom was crazy about the bride, but she did not experience reciprocal feelings. Jeanne was already sure then that she would give all her love to Louis.

First steps on the way to Versailles

Her husband’s name and money opened the doors of high society for Madame d’Etiol and made her a welcome guest in many noble houses of Paris. She slowly but surely made her way to Versailles. Having learned that the king was hunting in the Senar forest, Jeanne began to go there for walks, hoping for a chance meeting with the monarch. However, this plan did not work; instead of Louis, the girl met his favorite Duchess de Chateauroux. She instantly recognized the young lady’s true intentions and forbade her to appear in these places. The small misfortune only briefly upset Madame d'Etioles. Soon all of Paris was shocked by the news of the death of the Duchess de Chateauroux from pneumonia. The road to Louis's heart was clear.

All-in game

The long-awaited meeting with the monarch took place in February 1745 during a ball, to which Jeanne Antoinette arrived dressed as the goddess of the hunt. Even then, the beautiful stranger managed to attract the attention of the king. A few days later they met again at a ball in the capital's town hall. It seemed that fate was favoring Madame d’Etiol and she was close to her goal, but soon she was informed: the king did not believe in the sincerity of the woman’s feelings. The future favorite decided to go all-in.

Having hardly achieved another date with Louis, Jeanne so skillfully demonstrated to him all her acting talent that, if she were on stage, the audience would applaud her skillful performance. The woman appeared before the king in the form of a desperate lover who, hiding from jealous husband, snuck into the palace with the sole purpose of seeing the person she adored! Louis liked such a sacrifice in his honor, and soon Madame d’Etiol received everything she had dreamed of for so long: the place of the official favorite and the title of Marquise de Pompadour. However, Zhanna understood that it would not be easy for her to hold all this in her hands. Therefore, having won one battle for a “place in the sun,” she began to prepare for the next, much more fierce battle.

For quite a short time The Marquise de Pompadour was able to become everything for Louis: lover, friend, assistant and adviser, even in state issues. They spoke of her as the most willful and capricious favorite, on whose decisions not only the fate of people depended, but also the fate of the whole country. Many historians recognize that this woman had a decisive influence on French politics. She hosted ambassadors and army commanders and corresponded with many politicians. While engaged in state affairs, Louis's favorite often pursued her own goals. She achieved the position and title of marquis for her brother, contributed to the career of the dukes Choiseul And Richelieu, did Voltaire historiographer and court chamberlain. Along with this, the woman, without hesitation, removed all those who dared to speak out against the Marquise from their positions or sent them to prison. No less important was the protection of the very path along which she herself came to the heights of power. The Marquise de Pompadour (like the Duchess de Chateauroux, who had previously interfered with her) acted harshly and confidently - only she could influence Louis.

Madame Pompadour at her embroidery. One of the last lifetime portraits. Photo: reproduction

Patron of art and lovemaking

The Marquise loved art very much. This love often had a monetary expression: she supported artists and sculptors, paying them pensions and commissioning her portraits. She favored scientists, writers and poets. They shone in her salon Charles Duclos, Bernard Fontenelle, Denis Diderot, Voltaire, Georges Buffon, Quesnay. Prominent people, who surrounded Louis’s favorite all her life, helped her leave a mark in art, literature and architecture.

Five years after the start of his affair with Jeanne, Louis lost interest in his favorite as a woman. But he did not end his relationship with her. Knowing about the monarch’s love of love, the marquise arranged for him dates with young girls, carefully selecting those who did not pose any threat to herself. Beautiful, but stupid and unambitious girls who did not have the slightest chance of taking the place of the official favorite ended up in bed with Louis. In 1755, Jeanne organized a place called " Deer Park"- a mansion intended for meetings between the king and numerous and often changing girls. Contemporaries rightly noted that while the king reigned in the Deer Park, the marquise ruled in France.

Last trip

The Seven Years' War dealt a powerful blow to all of France and to Madame de Pompadour herself. France suffered huge losses and was economically exhausted. At the same time, the country eventually lost almost all of its overseas colonies and lost Canada to its eternal rival, England.

Moreover, France lost its importance as a leading power in Europe and could not prevent the rapid growth of the future worst enemy- Prussia and German lands. Public opinion blamed the Marquise de Pompadour for the emerging economic and political crisis. The favorite decided to leave the political scene, leaving for her residence in Choisy. There, her long-standing tuberculosis worsened - the level of development of medicine in those days left virtually no chance of recovery. The marquise decided to die at Versailles, despite the fact that similar right had only members royal family. The woman prudently returned to the palace and died on April 15, 1764. Louis XV greeted the death of his favorite with the words: “Today bad weather for the journey, marquise.” He will survive her by 10 years and will not see how the country, irritated by weak kings and willful favorites, moves towards revolution.

From dok_zlo .

Marquise de Pompadour, birth name Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, legendary official mistress (since 1745) of the French king Louis XV...

The main success and secret of Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, whom King Louis XV of France made Marquise de Pompadour, was her amazing and at first glance inexplicable “longevity” at court.

After all, the favorite's lifespan is short-lived - a rapid rise was usually followed by an equally quick oblivion. And the Marquise de Pompadour did not leave Versailles for twenty years, remaining the king’s closest friend and adviser until her death. The favorite of Louis XV went down in history as the uncrowned queen of France.

Marquise de Pompadour is rightfully considered one of the most famous women in history. What kept the fickle, flighty Louis near this woman?

Lessons of love from the Marquise de Pompadour

Believe in your dream

Jeanne knew from childhood that not just anyone would love her, but the King of France. This is what the fortune teller predicted for her. What was a girl whose relatives were just bourgeois supposed to think? With the surname Poisson, which means “fish” in French, and without the coveted prefix “de,” there was simply nothing to do in the royal environment. But Zhanna believed in the prediction. Having received an excellent education, having learned all the intricacies of secular treatment and having married a nobleman in love with her, Madame d'Etiol was ready to conquer the main peak in her life.

Therefore: believe in your star. Everything is in your hands, you can’t put them down.

First violin

In Europe it was no secret that King Louis was stupid. Jeanne d'Etiol, who had already received the title of Marquise de Pompadour, very quickly realized that Louis was not at all averse to putting the burden on her government controlled. He trusted his mistress more than himself. At the same time, the king was terribly proud. Those ministers who acted in defiance of the royal “will” quickly found themselves in disgrace. Pompadour was well aware of this, therefore, when making her decision, she always voiced precisely the “will of the king.” Well, she didn’t forget to whisper to Louis how brilliant and insightful he was.

Therefore: even if you are a great strategist and Napoleon in a skirt, do not forget to tell the man that it was he who made the fateful decision. There is a proverb: “A man is the head, and a woman is the neck,” but you should move your head wisely.

Charm is more important than beauty

Contemporaries unanimously said that Jeanne Pompadour’s appearance was the most ordinary. But Zhanna learned to charm from a young age. She knew how and what to say, how to present herself in conversation, in dance, even at the dinner table. She, like no one else, knew how to select fabrics for dresses, bows, ruffles and jewelry to decorate her appearance. She clearly knew what suited her and what didn’t.

Therefore: it is worth carefully studying your strengths and weak sides to disguise flaws and highlight advantages. To do this, you need to stop flattering yourself and reassuring yourself and try to be objective. Charm is elusive, but it is much more important than beauty.

“There are many of you - but Zhanna is alone”

It sounds paradoxical, but Madame de Pompadour was not a passionate lover.
Seeing that Jeanne was not too hot, Louis did not insist - she was dear to him already. True, he began to look for fleeting mistresses - pretty, stupid women whose task was to entertain the monarch in bed, but nothing more. Some of them tried to oust Jeanne from the royal heart, but that was not the case.

Therefore: there are things that are no less important than sexual harmony. Trust, friendship, simple human communication and warmth in relationships - this is exactly what Jeanne gave to her king. One of Louis' mistresses once called Jeanne an "old woman" in a conversation with him. The king immediately turned away from her: “There are many of you, but Jeanne is alone.”

Always be different!

Pompadour, knowing that her friend was prone to melancholy, tried to entertain him - every day she told him something entertaining. As a rule, these were regular Parisian gossip or “crime chronicles.” She loved to treat him to interesting dishes - Pompadour had the most skillful cook. Every time she met the king, she dressed up in a new outfit, one more beautiful than the other. Moreover, she organized a real “one-man show” for Louis: she sang, danced, recited poetry - just so that the king would not fall into depression.

Nothing kills love like routine and monotony. The Marquise de Pompadour patronized artists, communicated on equal terms with Voltaire, conducted important negotiations and actually ruled France for eighteen years. To be different means to be multifaceted. Change, learn something new. Develop yourself and be interesting, first of all, to yourself - and then you will definitely never be left alone.

>Secrets of love of the Marquise de Pompadour

The secret is fragrant. During a meeting with Louis XV, Madame Pompadour's signature perfume, prepared by herself, did its job. She mixed a few drops of the king's sweat with all kinds of flower scents. Many years later, scientists have proven that the smell of one’s own body is the most pleasant for a person.
Culinary secret. The king's mistress invented a recipe for rissols - small, deep-fried donut-like pies filled with salpicon - minced meat cut into small pieces. To maintain the king's love fervor, Madame Pompadour herself prepared him a drink of chocolate with amber, and to awaken his imagination - fancy dishes from the delicate delights of lamb. And before her meeting with Louis XV, she drank a large cup of chocolate with celery.
The secret is strategic. She arranged the king's love affairs with young, but always stupid girls herself. They were needed for the night, no more, and the satisfied king returned again to Madame Pompadour. Only such a woman could talk to him about the most insignificant matters and give good advice in the most difficult situations.

Sayings of the Marquise de Pompadour

Love is the passion of men...
Most women's ambitions are to please...
The death of one person often changes the fate of others...
A man's heart has great resources...
After us there might be a flood...
You need to be very capable to be able to fall in love with yourself...
Happy are those who don't love...
Politics is not good for women, because smart thoughts come only with age...
Love is a pleasure for one season, friendship is for a lifetime...
Sadness tires and contributes to aging...
It’s easier to pretend than to change your essence... A beautiful woman fears the end of her youth more than death...
You need to have virtues yourself in order to see them in others...
You need to have intelligence to do good, fools are not capable of this...
The art of a politician is to lie at the right moment...
If you want to have impeccable friends, look for them among the angels...
The hedgehog would give up his thorns if the wolf had no teeth...
The whole secret of politics is to know the time when to lie, and to know the time when to remain silent...
Politics and war are not for beautiful women...
Even women can be right and give good advice...
Great people shouldn't make small mistakes...
Don't feel sorry for the dead, feel sorry for those who are alive...
Death is liberation...

Pompadour died at 43. However, one can only be surprised that with such a troubled life she lasted so long. In her early youth she was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

When funeral procession turned towards Paris, Louis, standing on the balcony of the palace in the pouring rain, said: “What disgusting weather you chose for your last walk, madam!” Behind this seemingly completely inappropriate joke was hidden true sadness.

by Notes of the Wild Mistress

The main life achievement and secret of Jeanne Poisson, whom the king made Marquise de Pompadour, was her amazing and at first glance inexplicable “longevity” at court. After all, the favorite's lifespan is short-lived - a rapid rise was usually followed by an equally quick oblivion. And the marquise did not leave Versailles for twenty years, remaining the king’s closest friend and adviser until her death.

Happiness in life will be predicted by fortune telling...

Jeanne Antoinette Poisson was born in 1721. She did not have noble roots. The girl's mother, Louise Madeleine, was known as a lady of rather specific behavior, so doubts arise who was Jeanne's real father: Francois Poisson, who at one time served as a footman, then as a supplier to the provision department, who stole and fled from justice, abandoning his family, or the financier Norman de Tournham, who supported Jeanne and her mother.

Despite her humble origins, the girl was given a good upbringing and education, fortunately Monsieur Thurnham had the means for this. Jeanne was naturally distinguished by her lively mind and was gifted with extraordinary abilities: she played great music, painted, had a clear voice and a passion for poetry, which she recited beautifully.

She loved books very much, absorbed knowledge well, and studied for several years at the Poissy monastery. On top of everything else, the girl was pretty. Her contemporary Leroy, Chief Jägermeister of the forests and parks of Versailles, described Jeanne with great sympathy: “... short, slender, with soft, relaxed manners, elegant. The face is an impeccable oval shape. Beautiful hair with a brown tint, quite big eyes indeterminate color, beautiful long eyelashes. Straight, perfect form nose, sensual mouth, very beautiful teeth. Enchanting laughter.”

...When Zhanna was 9 years old, her mother took her to one of the most famous fortune tellers of that time - Madame Le Bon. The fortune teller looked carefully at the fragile girl and made a prophecy: “This little one will one day become the king’s favorite!”

But no matter what the fortune teller came up with, the king was far away, and Jeanne Antoinette was 19 years old. On March 9, 1741, in the church of Sainte-Austache, she married Charles Le Normand d'Etiolles, nephew of Monsieur de Tournham. It was not a marriage for love, however, their marriage was quite successful. The husband worshiped Zhanna and was ready to fulfill any of her wishes. She said that she would never leave him, except for the sake of the king himself...

Diana the Huntress

Zhanna knew how to present herself brilliantly in high society, and soon people started talking about her. However, it was not enough for this charming girl to remain in the center of attention of high society. She tried to attract the attention of the king, who at that time was under the influence of the charms of the ambitious Duchess de Chateauroux.

The girl began to constantly catch the eye of Louis in the Senard forest, where he was hunting, in flirtatious and elegant dresses: now in a sky-blue dress and a pink phaeton, now in all pink and in a sky-blue carriage - in the end, she was lucky enough to be noticed by him, especially since the king had already heard something about “little Etiol” and she aroused his curiosity. However, Louis's favorite quickly put an end to the claims of the nee Jeanne Poisson, simply forbidding her to appear in the king's hunting grounds. And only when Madame de Chateauroux suddenly died, Madame d’Etiol realized that the path to the king’s heart was clear.

During the grand masquerade ball, which was given on February 25, 1745 at the Paris Town Hall on the occasion of the Dauphin's wedding to the Spanish princess Maria Theresa, Jeanne had the opportunity to get closer to the king. At the ball, Louis became interested in a lovely lady dressed as Diana the Huntress. The mask intrigued the king. At his request, the stranger revealed her face. She apparently dropped her scented handkerchief on purpose. The king immediately rushed to pick it up, returned it to her, and this was the beginning of their love affair, which they maintained through the trusted valet Louis Binet.

Soon Madame d'Etiol appeared in Versailles at a performance of Italian comedy in a box located near the stage very close to the king's box, and when Louis ordered dinner to be served to him directly in his office, the entire court had no doubt that his only dining companion would be “little Etiol.” Here she gave herself to him, but after this meeting Louis’ interest in her decreased.

The king told Binet that he really liked Madame d’Etiol, but it seemed to him that she was largely driven by ambition and selfish interest. The valet began to assure the king that Jeanne was madly in love with him, but she was in despair, as she was torn between her love for the king and her duty to her husband, who was full of suspicion and idolized her.

At her next meeting with Louis, Madame d'Etiol behaved more cautiously and acted in the role of just the charming and virtuous woman that the king wanted to see in her. As if in a well-performed performance, she spoke with horror about her husband’s revenge awaiting her and managed to convince Louis to leave her in Versailles. She also managed to remove her husband from Paris without much difficulty: as a companion of her uncle, he was sent by his uncle to the province.

While apartments were being prepared at Versailles for de Chateauroux's successor, Jeanne remained in Etiol. The king often wrote tender letters to her, usually ending with the words “Loving and devoted,” and she immediately replied in the same spirit. Finally, in one of the letters she read: “Marquise de Pompadour.” Louis issued a decree assigning her this title, which previously belonged to one extinct family from Limousin.

At the king's throne

On September 14, 1745, she was presented at court. Oddly enough, Louis’s wife, Maria Leshchinskaya, the daughter of the Polish king Stanislav, reacted best to the new favorite. The queen was seven years older than her husband, extremely pious, boring and unattractive. During the first 12 years of marriage, she gave birth to ten children to the king and was completely absorbed in caring for the offspring...

The obvious superiority of the Marquise de Pompadour over the king's past favorites in every possible way strengthened Jeanne's position, both at court and under Louis. And she took advantage of this, without fear of being branded immodest. Both in external and private life, hidden from prying eyes, Madame Pompadour ruled the roost.

Jeanne transported Louis to the world of magnificent architecture, fancy palaces, under the arches of the alleys of hundred-year-old trees, where, however, everything was arranged in accordance with common sense, and every house bore the imprint of a fashionable pastoral. The Marquise conquered Louis again and again with her ability to appear before him new and unexpected every time. Exquisite makeup and costumes, a whole kaleidoscope of costumes, helped her in this! Either she changed into the dress of the sultana from Vanloo’s paintings, or she appeared in the costume of a peasant woman...

Especially for the king, she came up with another unusual outfit, it was called “negligee a la Pompadour”: something like a Turkish vest that fit the neck, fastened with buttons on the forearm and fit the back to the hips. In it, the marquise could show everything she wanted, and only hint at everything she wanted to hide.

However, the marquise's position at court was not so stable. Until now, the king chose his favorites from the upper strata of society. Née Poisson broke this rule. Thousands of hostile eyes watched her, and thousands of evil tongues immediately began to move at the slightest forgetfulness, at the most insignificant errors in etiquette, at errors in the court language of this Grisette, as the newly made marquise was contemptuously called behind her back.

First of all, Jeanne had to think about how, in this situation fraught with unforeseen dangers, she could achieve the full support of the king in order to strengthen her position. This was the most difficult and extremely important task.

Versailles Scheherazade

Of all Louis' mistresses, only the Marquise de Pompadour had the ability to dispel his boredom. She tried to be attractive in a new way every time and every time she came up with new entertainment for him. She sang and played especially for the king or told new jokes with her characteristic piquancy. And when some minister bothered Louis with reports, which naturally irritated the king, she tried to quickly send the speaker out. For example, if it was Maurepas: “In your presence, the king turns yellow. Farewell, Mister Maurepas!”

She walked with Louis through the luxurious gardens of the summer castles and constantly accompanied him from Versailles to Cressy, and from there to La Celle, and from there to Bellevue, and then to Compiegne and Fontainebleau. During Holy Week, she entertained him with concerts of sacred music and liturgies, in which she herself participated. And when she played on stage at the theater of Etiol or Chantemerle with Madame de Villemur, she managed to captivate Louis with her performing art, and she even created a small theater in Versailles, in one of the galleries adjacent to the Medallion Office, called the “Chamber Theater”.

Over time, her position became so strong that she began to host ministers and ambassadors with condescending arrogance. Now she lived in Versailles, in apartments that once belonged to the powerful favorite of Louis XIV, the Marquise de Montespan. In the room of the Marquise de Pompadour, where she received visitors, there was only one chair - everyone had to stand in the presence of the seated favorite.

She listened to Mass in the chapel of Versailles on a platform specially arranged for her on the balcony of the sacristy, where she appeared alone during major holidays. Her life was furnished with unprecedented luxury. A young nobleman from an old family carried her train, at her sign, offered her a chair, and waited for her to emerge in the hallway. She achieved the awarding of her chamberlain Collin with the Order of St. Louis. Her carriage bore the ducal coat of arms.

The Marquise owned such enormous real estate that no royal favorite had ever owned it in France either before or after her. She bought the Cressy estate in Dreux for 650 thousand livres, built a luxurious castle here - construction was generally her strong point - and also re-developed a huge park. She bought Montreton, but immediately resold it at a profit, bought Sel a mile from Versailles on the road to Marly, and here, too, rebuilt everything that she did not like in accordance with her tastes. Each such event in itself required huge funds.

The entertainments, buildings, and dresses of the Marquise de Pompadour absorbed a lot of money: her outfits cost 1 million 300 thousand livres, 3.5 million for cosmetics, 4 million for the theater, 3 million for horses, 2 million for jewelry, about 1 .5 million livres - her servants; She allocated 12 thousand francs for books.

“Godmother” of Voltaire, Rousseau, Napoleon...

Louis XV encouraged the development of the cultural life of France, so the Marquise de Pompadour tried to surround herself with poets, scientists and philosophers. Out of competition among them was Voltaire, an old friend of the marquise. Pompadour showed him a clear preference, made him an academician, the chief historian of France, and the chief chamberlain. In turn, he wrote “The Princess of Navarre”, “Temple of Glory” for court holidays, dedicated “Tancreda” to the Marchioness and glorified her in poetry and prose. “Pompadour, you decorate your special courtyard, Parnassus and the island of Heter!” - he exclaimed with admiration and gratitude.

She did a lot for Rousseau, especially when he could not protect his own interests. The Marquise staged his “Siberian Soothsayer” and had big success in the male role of Kolpen. However, Jean-Jacques considered her not attentive enough to him, since he was not introduced to the king and did not receive a pension. But the Marquise arranged a pension for old Crebillon, who had once given her recitation lessons, but who was now poor and abandoned by everyone. Pompadour staged his play “Cateline”, contributed to the monumental publication of his tragedies in the royal printing house, and after the death of Crebillon - the construction of a mausoleum for him.

Her friends were Buffon and Montesquieu. The Marquise also helped the encyclopedists d’Alembert (she secured a pension for him) and Diderot, whom she repeatedly called on moderation and caution.

Pompadour contributed to the opening of a military school for the sons of war veterans and impoverished nobles. When the money allotted for construction ran out, the marquise contributed the missing amount. In October 1781, student Napoleon Bonaparte arrived at this school to study...

Reformer in a skirt

Other equally glorious deeds are associated with the name Pompadour. She actively intervened in the internal and foreign policy France, was engaged in philanthropy, fought against her political opponents, and most often, successfully, because the king was always on her side.

Wanting to create serious competition for the famous and expensive Saxon porcelain, Pompadour moved factories from Vincennes to Sèvres, tirelessly experimented, invited skilled craftsmen and talented artists, sculptors, organized exhibitions in Versailles and publicly announced: “If the one who has money does not buys this porcelain, he is a bad citizen of his country.”

The pompadour has made an invaluable contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind.

Diamonds, whose cut is called “marquise” (oval stones), with their shape resemble the mouth of a favorite.

Champagne is bottled either in narrow tulip glasses or in cone-shaped glasses that appeared during the reign of Louis XV - this is exactly the shape of Madame de Pompadour's breasts.

A small reticule handbag made of soft leather is also her invention. She introduced high heels and high hairstyles into fashion because she was short.

Beautiful delicate roses, her favorite flower, which the Marquise planted wherever she could, were eventually called “Pompadour roses.”

The marquise remained on the throne for twenty years, although her position was often threatened. She was not a cheerful person, although she wanted to seem like one. In fact, Pompadour had a cold mind, an ambitious character and, moreover, an iron will, which was surprisingly combined with her weak body, tired from a serious illness...

Last walk

On one of her trips to Choiseul, the marquise fainted, but found the strength to recover, contrary to the expectations of those around her. Then a relapse occurred, and there was no more hope. Louis ordered her to be transported to Versailles, although until now, as Lacretel wrote, only princes were allowed to die in the royal palace.

Pompadour died at 43. However, one can only be surprised that with such a troubled life she lasted so long. In her early youth she was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

As the funeral procession turned towards Paris, Louis, standing on the palace balcony in the pouring rain, said: “What disgusting weather you chose for your last walk, madame!” Behind this seemingly completely inappropriate joke was hidden true sadness.

The Marquise de Pompadour was buried in the tomb of the Capuchin monastery. Now at the site of her burial there is Rue de la Paix, which runs through the territory of the demolished early XIX centuries of the monastery. Historian Henri Matrin called Pompadour “the first woman prime minister.”

Today we will talk about the fate of such interesting woman like Madame de Pompadour. Her biography is unique, like Zhanna herself (that was the name of this woman). The story of the birth of Jeanne Antoinette Poisson is shrouded in darkness. The girl was born in 1721, on December 29, into the family of Francois Poisson. This man rose to become the horsemaster of the court of the Duke of Orleans himself from ordinary lackeys. However, Francois soon got caught stealing and, in order to avoid the gallows, decided to escape. Although he was, apparently, only a nominal father for Jeanne. According to rumors, Jeanne Antoinette's real father was Le Normand de Tournehem (Tournham), a wealthy nobleman. Be that as it may, it was he who took care of the education and upbringing of the girl, and after she grew up, he married Zhanna to his own nephew. However, this was not enough for Madame de Pompadour. Her personal life was not limited to her relationship with her husband. Zhanna wanted much more...

Fortune teller's prediction

From childhood, the future Madame de Pompadour stood out for her extraordinary abilities and beauty. The photos below prove that she was truly beautiful. Zhanna, in addition, sang well and played various musical instruments, knew how and loved to draw, and had undeniable acting qualities. According to legend, a fortune teller predicted an amazing fate for a girl at the age of 9, as well as a long love affair with the king himself. Jeanne, having become the monarch's favorite, found this fortune teller and began paying her a small pension. However, the path to the royal bedroom was not at all easy for the future favorite. Her life is similar in the memories of contemporaries to a fairy tale. It is difficult to determine where is fiction and where is reality. And is it worth doing this? The main thing is that Zhanna herself created the fairy tale.

The plan that matured in Jeanne's head

Having become Madame d'Etiol after her marriage, she stubbornly rushed towards her goal, which the fortune teller planted in her soul. Thanks to her husband's wealth and name, the girl got the opportunity to visit high society. Here she absorbed with great zeal everything concerning the court and the king. Soon Zhanna already knew many of his details. intimate life, knew how he behaved with his favorites and mistresses. And then the girl came up with a plan. Zhanna began to implement it with all seriousness.

Implementation of the plan

She did not have the opportunity to meet Louis XV at court ceremonies. The Duchess de Chateauroux, the then favorite, skillfully cut off all possible contenders from him. However, there was a place where the king would certainly pay attention to the charming woman. This is the Senar Forest, where the monarch loved to hunt. But the girl was unlucky: Jeanne caught the eye of the Duchess de Chateauroux, and not the king. The favorite intuitively understood why she was taking forest walks. After that, they had to stop, so as not to get Madame de Pompadour into big trouble.

Her short biography, however, continues with the fact that fate soon smiled on Jeanne. The Duchess de Chateauroux died of pneumonia, and the path to the king's heart was open. At a masked ball held at the Paris Town Hall in 1745, on February 28, the king was intrigued by a girl who interfered with his desire to see her face. After the monarch's curiosity reached its limit, Jeanne took off her mask. The king became convinced that it was not in vain that he showed signs of attention to this mysterious stranger.

It should be noted that Louis XV, who was 35 years old by this time, was considered a sophisticated connoisseur of women. He had long since become bored with the insipid family life with Maria Leszczynska, his pious wife, daughter of Stanislaus, King of Poland. Therefore, the monarch loved to have fun with his next favorite or simply with a pretty woman. The new acquaintance thus came in handy.

Jeanne agreed to have dinner with the king. Louis decided in the morning that he could end the affair there. The woman, to his surprise, resignedly left. She did not let anyone know more about herself, which was not typical for his others. former lovers. It turned out that she rejected him too, and this hurt the man’s pride. And Louis XV could not resist.

Zhanna becomes the official favorite

Jeanne, reappearing in the palace, acted out a scene of her sincere love, not only touching the king, but also engendering in him something similar to a mutual feeling. Thus, Louis XV had a new official favorite. A lucrative position was provided to Madame d’Etoile’s husband, and they also offered him tempting prospects for further career growth. The king gave Jeanne, whose origins were not impeccable, the Margraviate of Pompadour and, consequently, the title of Marquise.

Two Queens

It was easier to win the king than to gain recognition from high society. The newly minted marquise for the aristocracy is still for a long time was just an ordinary grisette - this nickname was given to Jeanne in high society salons. It is noteworthy that I established almost friendly relations Marquise de Pompadour. The photo below is a portrait of Maria Leszczynska, the king's wife.

At that time, on the streets of Paris one could often hear common people shouting: “The queens are coming!” The two main women of the state not only peacefully shared the royal bed for some time, but also divided official duties: one of them reigned on the throne, the other ruled.

For more than 20 years, Jeanne remained next to the king - an amazing period for an ordinary favorite. In Russia a little later, Grigory Potemkin was the favorite for an equally long time. His fate, by the way, is somewhat similar to the fate of Jeanne de Pompadour. Having ceased to share his bed with the monarch, for another 15 years she remained an adviser and close friend to him.

Salon of Madame de Pompadour

The king cannot be kept for a long time by love pleasures alone. Therefore, the marquise began to delve into the affairs of the state. She turned her salon into a meeting place for the scientific and artistic elite of France. Louis XV greeted this intellectual society, new to him, with curiosity. It not only entertained the king, but more importantly, it gave food to his mind. New circle The monarch's communications in society were also perceived with great interest. The opportunity to communicate with Louis XV in an informal setting was extremely important for the Marquise's guests. This provided significant support and increased their status in society.

What did Jeanne do for France?

In France, with the light hand of Jeanne, significant funds began to be spent on art, literature and science. For example, with the help of this marquise, the Encyclopedia of Denis Diderot appeared, as well as the Chamber Theater in Palace of Versailles, which opened with a performance of Molière's Tartuffe. Jeanne often shone on the stage of this prestigious, albeit small, French theater, amazing with the art of impersonating the king himself.

The range of interests of this woman was extensive. In France, with her assistance, there appeared, for example, Military school for war veterans and sons of nobles, which was completed some time later by Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Madame de Pompadour established porcelain production in the country, establishing a model factory on her Sevres estate. The soft pink porcelain from Sèvres was called Rose Pompadour in her memory. It should be noted that the name of this woman was also associated with the appearance of many accessories and little things dear to a woman’s heart: high heels, a reticule handbag, intricate updos, champagne glasses called “tulips,” as well as a special style of diamond cutting called “tulips.” marquise."

Madame de Pompadour boldly intervened in the affairs of the state, often pushing the king to make radical political decisions. France, which had always been in allied relations with Prussia, thanks to her, reoriented itself towards an alliance with Austria. Louis, at the insistence of Jeanne, banned the activities of the Jesuit Order in the state. The Marquise showed in politics, as well as in love, wisdom and feminine intuition, which never failed her.

New entertainment in Europe

Do not assume that this woman’s life was cloudless. She had plenty of enemies. Each new favorite tried to displace Jeanne, but no one managed to shake the position of the Marquise de Pompadour. In Europe, a new entertainment even arose - bets were made on when Madame de Pompadour would lose influence on Louis XV. All such bets were lost.

Death of Jeanne

This woman received the highest honor even in death. She passed away in the presence of the king himself. In the royal chronicle in 1764, on April 15, an entry appeared that the Marquise de Pompadour died at about 7 pm. This happened in the personal chambers of Louis XV. Madame de Pompadour died at the age of 43. The story of her life is of great interest today.