The 18th-Century Royal Mistress: Arbiter of Taste

The position of the royal mistress was unique to France, where they became a quasi-institutionalised political position, advisor to the King, and arbiter of taste. In 18th-century France, King Louis XV’s royal mistresses Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry contributed to French tastes in diverse ways.

Madame de Pompadour led French culture and taste with her sophisticated collecting, particularly in the realm of tapestries and decorative arts, with many of her acquisitions later collected by major institutions and museums. Madame du Barry was a collector of textiles, fashion and jewellery.

Paola Di Trocchio is a leading fashion curator, writer and speaker.