Saturday 10 January 2015

La vue de Madame de Pompadour et de Marie-Antoinette

Sunset Petit Trianon Versailles Marie-Antoinette
A winter sunset seen from Petit Trianon castle in the palace grounds... as it would have been seen by Marie-Antoinette... Or Madame de Pompadour? Though it is remembered for Marie-Antoinette, the delightful castle was actually built for Louis XV's mistress and soulmate Madame de Pompadour, a very interesting woman...

Coucher de soleil d'hiver vu du Petit Trianon... comme il aurait été vu par Marie-Antoinette... ou par Madame de Pompadour ? Aujourd'hui on a tendance à oublier qu'il ne fut pas construit pour "l'autrichienne" comme elle était appelée mais pour La Pompadour, favorite de Louis XV, une femme très intéressante...
Portrait de madame de Pompadour, par Quentin de La Tour : détail du célèbre pastel du musée du Louvre.
Portrait of Madame de Pompadour by Quentin de la Tour: detail of the famous pastel at the Louvre museum.

21 comments:

Lowell said...

I have heard of Marie-Antoinette, of course, but am not familiar with the other "interesting" woman. And what do you mean by that coy little word? Hmmm?

And how did you come to be in the castle at sunset? Hmmm?

Methinks you're an "interesting" woman!

RedPat said...

It's interesting when you think about having the same view of these others, Ciel. I had heard of Madame De Pompadour but didn't know much about her until I read your link!

William Kendall said...

I'd heard the name before. Quite a view from there!

Sunnybrook Farm said...

You were in the right place at the right time for that one.

Bob Crowe said...

Rank hath its privileges, even in the cold.

Randy said...

Beautiful view, did you have some cake?

maryaustria said...

A beautiful sky! I think it would have been enough glamour for her! :)

Thérèse said...

Couchers de soleil et arbres centenaires: voir ce qu'ils ont vu. Etonnant quand on s'arrete sur cette idee.

Unknown said...

Tres expressif!
Bon week end!
Photographe Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/

EG CameraGirl said...

I read the piece you linked about Madame de Pompadour and think she mus have had a difficult job keeping everyone happy. She might have spent a lot of time looking out that window considering what to do next.

Revrunner said...

Must have been a very complicated business being the king's mistress.

cieldequimper said...

@ Lowell: follow the link! She was a very intelligent and refined woman...

@ Randy: it is generally accepted that Marie-Antoinette never actually uttered those words.

VP said...

A very interesting woman and an exquisite portrait!

Stuart said...

I'd love to have that view out my window!

Sharon said...

She would have had some wonderful views out those windows.

Wayne said...

How could one not stop to soak in that gorgeous view?

Birdman said...

Did not know this--- Marietta, Ohio is names after her.

Anonymous said...

RedPat's comment, remembers me that when visiting any of these royal castles I can't help thinking of how their previous owners would react seeing their rooms jammed with crowds of people snooping their intimacy.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful start to the day.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Brains as well as beauty are essential to keep the King happy oui! I suspect that view will always be breathtaking Ciel!

James said...

Sigh!