Madame de Pompadour
Reproduction print (likely a photomechanical offset lithograph) on paper • Original after François Boucher (1703–1770); this specific piece is a commercial mass-market reproduction.
Style & Movement
Rococo
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper; a modern printing technique mimicking the appearance of an 18th-century oil painting. The original by François Boucher utilized oil on canvas.
Creation Period
Original work created 1756; this print likely dates from the late 20th century (c. 1970-1990).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches framed; portrait format.
Subject Description
The image depicts Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, the official mistress of King Louis XV. She is shown in a luxurious floral gown, seated in an outdoor garden setting next to a classical sculpture (representing Friendship), symbolizing her intellectual interests and her role as a patron of the arts.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is possible fading from UV exposure and some minor rippling under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 – $50.00
Auction Estimate
$10.00 – $30.00
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased from a commercial gallery, furniture store, or framing shop during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting is a masterpiece of the Rococo period, currently housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. It is significant for defining the visual identity of the French Enlightenment and the power of female patronage. As a print, this object has decorative rather than historical value.
Notable Features
The piece is housed in a mid-to-late 20th-century double-mat frame with a green outer mat and a gold-toned inner fillet, common for residential decor of that era.
Condition Issues
Frame features minor abrasions; potential acid-burn from non-archival matting; colors appear slightly muted/yellowed due to age of the print and lighting.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading. If the artwork has sentimental value, consider replacing the mat with acid-free materials and using UV-protective glass.