Madame de Pompadour

Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) was the famous mistress of King Louis XV of France.

She was born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson on December 29, 1721. She married young, but left her husband when she caught the eye of the monarch. Louis XV of France installed her at the Palace of Versailles, and soon made her a marquise.

Madame de Pompadour was an accomplished woman, who had a keen interest in literature, and was befriended by Voltaire. Contrary to popular belief she never had much political influence, but Louis XV remained utterly devoted to her until her death on April 15, 1764 at the age of 43.