Louis XV Style Sculpture of Madame de Pompadour as Sphinx on Faux Plinth Base

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About the Item

A (possibly) mid 20th Century, monumental in scale at three and a half feet, Louis XV style sculpture depicting Madame de Pompadour as Sphinx. The material poses a bit of a query as I am unsure as to its origins - perhaps papier mache with the strength of fiberglass. This piece most certainly has some age and an interesting history. A history that I can only guess. This is certainly derived from 18th and 19th Century terracotta sculptures of the same sitter as sphinx, which to my great surprise, was a popular form in which to depict both Madame de Pompadour and Madame duBarry. Who knew? My curiosity was piqued and I just had to have this sculpture, knowing full well that I may never know the back story. Were these molds cast from the originals? Were they store displays? Perhaps used in a theatre production? The possibilities are endless, but as I'm sure you can tell, my curiosity knows no bounds. Shall we slip into that world of imagination together? Because the owner of this sculpture will certainly need a vivid and playful imagination. One that allows them the full freedom of expression. I mean, a three and a half foot long and over two and a half feet high sculpture of a mistress of of King Louis XV! I wanted to learn more about this influential woman (also a Sphinx) and I'd like to share with you a bit of her history from the Chateau de Versailles website, "The future Marquise de Pompadour, Jeanne Antoinette Lenormant d’Etiolles, born Poisson, met Louis XV at Versailles in 1745. She was invited to the great masked ball held to celebrate the marriage of the Dauphin Louis Ferdinand. The King was smitten with her and brought her to the Palace of Versailles that same year, providing her with an apartment just above his own. A secret staircase allowed the monarch to access his mistress's apartment without being seen. In July he presented her with the Pompadour Estate and made her a Marquise, officially presenting her to the Court in September 1745. Her bourgeois, non-aristocratic roots (she was the daughter of a director of provisions for the army), however, soon drew harsh criticism from certain members of the nobility. Nonetheless, she succeeded in having her brother, the Marquess of Marigny, appointed Director General of the Royal Palaces. During the 1750s she ceased to be the King's mistress but retained considerable influence over the monarch. After moving to the ground floor of the main wing of the Palace in 1751, her role changed from that of mistress to that of confidante. She oversaw new construction projects and busied herself primarily with her patronage of the arts. In 1756 she backed the foundation of the royal porcelain factory at Sèvres, lent her support to the creation of Place Louis XV, now known as Place de la Concorde, and persuaded the king, with the help of her brother the Marquess of Marigny, to build the Petit Trianon. Madame de Pompadour had a fondness for truffle soup, chocolate and champagne, but was also just as keen to nourish her intellect. In 1751 she supported the publication of the first two volumes of Diderot and d'Alembert's Encyclopaedia. Two years later, in 1753, Louis XV purchased the Hôtel d'Evreux – now known as the Elysée Palace – for her to use as a place to stay while visiting Paris. Thereafter she split her time between the capital and the Palace of Bellevue, in Meudon. She died of tuberculosis at the age of just 42, passing away at Versailles in 1764. The King was greatly affected by the end of this "twenty-year friendship"." And so, shall we pop the champagne, enjoy a few truffles as we toast the one and only Madame de Pompadour!

Dimensions:
Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
Style:
Louis XV (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Paint,Cast
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1950's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In fair vintage to antique condition with wear, marks and scuffs to the surface. Structurally sound, sits flat.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7240235036482