Rococo: A Masterpiece, A Mystery, and Madame de Pompadour

Presented by Jacqui Ansell

In 18th century France a new style emerged which encompassed furniture, paintings, prints, décor, and fashionable dress. Light and airy decorations (whimsically inspired by nature) climbed up walls, and encircled mirrors, wound up and down chair legs and drove out the heavy symmetry of the Baroque style. Madame de Pompadour was a champion of the Rococo, which coincided with her reign as mistress of Louis XV. When and why did she (and the Rococo style) lose favour? Through the paintings of Hogarth, Boucher, Fragonard and others we will address this question, though close examination of Pompadour’s elegant image and personal style.

Jacqui Ansell has a MA in History of Dress from the Courtauld Institute. She continues to lecture regularly on the public programmes of the National Gallery, Wallace Collection and the National Portrait Gallery and has published on court dress, Grand Tour portraiture and Welsh Costumes. Jacqui is a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education, London where she writes, presents, and tutors online.

About ADFAS Shoalhaven

ADFAS Shoalhaven promotes interest in the study of decorative and fine arts by offering high quality monthly lectures on a wide range of subjects including art, history, gardening, design, and architecture.

The monthly meetings are a wonderful and informal way to make friends and to get to know others in the community. Visit our website for information on membership. Visitors are always welcome. Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm start.