Marquise de Pompadour

Marquise de Pompadour, born Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, was a prominent French aristocrat and the official mistress of King Louis XV from 1745 to 1764. She wielded significant influence at court, blending political, cultural, and artistic patronage, and helping shape French tastes and policies. Known for her intelligence and sophistication, she supported the arts, including literature and architecture, contributing to France's cultural legacy. Her relationship with the king also involved advising on state affairs, making her one of the most powerful women in 18th-century France.