Madame de Pompadour and the Theaters of Power, by Thomas E. Kaiser

1307 Words3 Pages

In the article, “Madame de Pompadour and the Theaters of Power,” author Thomas E. Kaiser examines how Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson rose to become Madame de Pompadour, a very influential mistress to the King of France. Her rise was seen in both positive and negative lights, with her acquisition of power being questioned from those within the royal family and the public1. The life of a mistress was never an easy one, but Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson rose to the daunting task and succeeded where most had failed. Thomas E. Kaiser goes on to explain how Madame de Pompadour was viewed in court and society, how she influenced the King, King Louis XV, and how she was able to succeed in her own right, advancing further than most thought possible for a woman during that time.

The role of the Royal Mistress or maitresse entitre often extended further than that of just the bedroom, and she did have influence, but remaining in this position was no small feat2. The popularity of the mistress to the king is the primary force behind her maintaining her position, this can be inherently difficult for the best of women. Royal mistresses were subject to instant dismissal if they feel out of favor with the King, as was the case for the two previous mistresses that resided before Jeanne-Antoinette3. Along with the responsibility of entertaining the King, the royal favorite also had to contend with the royal family, the court, and the public.

There was often a danger posed from being the King's favorite, oppositions could lead to trouble for the Mistress, and Madame de Pompadour experienced her fair share of opposition and resentment. According to Thomas Kaiser one of the main oppositions that Pompadour encountered was that of the queen's party, or parti...

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...storing not undermining the monarchy 21. But Madame de Pompadour did provide a service to the King. Like her predecessors, at court Pompadour was a benefit to the monarchy, criticism from royal policy was directed at her instead of the King 22. But as Kaiser points out, it's hard to see how a woman of low birth, high ambition, was able to gain control of the monarchy 23. Madame de Pompadour played an important role in France's History and how it's society was influenced. She was a patron of the arts and used them in the effort to bring glory to her and Louis XV, and even though her artistic endeavors were used against her, Madame de Pompadour left her mark indelibly on French politics and society 24.

Works Cited

Kaiser, Thomas E. "French Historical Studies." “Madame de Pompadour and the Theaters of Power,” Vol. 19, No.4 (1996): 1025-044.

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