Dress Analytics: Madame de Pompadour by Francois Boucher, 1756

When looking at 18th century portraiture, do you ever wonder what the real dress might have been like? What kind of fabric is that? What sort of ribbon for the bows? How about that lace? In this video we take a close look at the famous portrait of Madame de Pompadour by Francois Boucher, painted in 1756.
Take a quick peek at the gown, petticoat, trim, accessories, and hairstyle of Madame de Pompadour, with tips and tricks on what sort of fabric to look for and where to get sewing patterns.
Resources:
www.AmericanDuchess.com - Shoes, Books, Patterns
Burnley & Trowbridge - www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/...
Renaissance Fabrics - www.renaissancefabrics.net/
Silk Baron - www.silkbaron.com/
PureSilks - www.puresilks.us/
Images & Clips:
- Madame de Pompadour by Boucher, 1756 - Alte Pinakothek
- Madame de Pompadour by Boucher, 1759 - The Wallace Collection
- Marie Rinteau by Drouais, 1761 - The Met, 49.7.47
- Robe a la Francaise, c. 1760 - The Met, 1996.374a-c
- Bust of Madame de Pompadour by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, c. 1748-51 - The Met, 49.7.70
- Robe a la Francaise, c. 1770 - The Met, 32.35.2a,b
- Joseph Ducreux, self portrait "La Surprise en terreur," 1790s - Nationalmuseum, NM 7496
- Robe a la Francaise, c. 1745 - LACMA M.2007.211.927a-b
- Coppola, Sofia, et al. Marie-Antoinette. Columbia Pictures, 2006.
- "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking," Lauren Stowell & Abby Cox, 2016. Page Street Publishing.
Music:
"You Thought I Knew" (Instrumental) by Particle House
Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/track/f...
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[@ericalbany]

She wears it with such a casual air - "Oh, This old thing?"

[@AmericanDuchess1]

the epitome of style

[@habituscraeftig]

Sprezzatura, for the win.

[@hamburgerhelperflick]

This would make a fantastic series. Please make more of these videos where you go into detail of the dresses worn in portraits.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I'll add more to my list :-)

[@Ki_Thi]

Yessss

[@sandrabamber6726]

No wonder ladies maids were held on to like gold. Never would they have managed. Gorgeous dresses. I'm into vintage doll fashion myself so your videos are priceless.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Ladies' maids were indeed an asset

[@Themagpiecanfly]

I literally just bought 15 yards of taffeta to make this dress. I saw the painting in Munich in Feb and have always love Bouchers work. I was thinking about doing a video series to go along- just gotta move to grad school first!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that would be a great series

[@denisemorgan3469]

Wow 😮 I really want to make this dress Too in the future. It looks amazing. It is the full rococo esthetic in one dress 🤭

[@ariaalexandria3324]

I made it entirely by hand using light blue silk taffeta and ribbon (though not striped) made in France, and the needles and thread I used were made in France, and the sleeve laces was made in France, but the eyelash lace on the skirts was made in England. I bought it all while on a trip to Paris and London early last year. I made it for my daughter's country day at school. For the posey, I used magnets to not damage the silk by pinning it there. ​@t I'm working on a new one using a teal silk my daughter picked out on January when we were in Paris. I still have lace left from London and we found more of the same ribbon and lace and needles and thread in Paris.

[@lillium4139]

@@ariaalexandria3324 wow........ I'd give anything to be able to afford to travel like that. It's my dream to travel and see all of Europe, unfortunately I'll never have the money to go. I bet your dresses came out just lovely!

[@angelmorningstarr9504]

@@lillium4139 there are volunteer agencies that you can travel and stay for free in return for volunteering some of your time. You should look into it if that's the only way you can travel cos it is such an important part of life to see and experience other cultures. Good luck 🤞

[@PoppyNoir]

I would love to see this as a full serie!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

it may go that way :-D

[@rsearls5064]

I wasn't going to get into 18th century stuff. I wasn't... Oh dear. Love this! Yes please do more of these - it's wonderful and inspiring!!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

down the rabbit hole!

[@claire6023]

please make more of these! as an art history lover, historic costume enthusiast, and home sewist, this video was really perfect!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

will do!

[@SkyyRosePotter]

Absolutely love this! Madame de Pompadour is one of my favourite women in history and I adore this gown- he did a painting a few years later based on the 1756 portrait, and I just love the colours in the second one- less of a green silk, and closer to a periwinkle colour- it's a lot softer look over all!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I love all her portraits too!

[@SobrietyandSolace]

Just so you know, Angelic Pretty basically replicated this dress if you want a modern version.

[@alyssahogerty5463]

She was a wonder of a woman with great taste in fashion. Love this little break down.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

she was indeed!

[@sleepysartorialist]

This is my favorite Boucher painting! Love the dress analysis!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you! 😊

[@MaisonLafitte]

They recreated this gown for Glenn Close in "Dangerous Liaisons" and reinterpreted it for Jessica Brown in "Harlots". Iconic portrait of Madame! I had occasion to see it in Munich - it surprised me how big it! ❤

[@ZoeyCLR78]

I just love her shoes !! 😍

[@AmericanDuchess1]

us too! so delicious!

[@thecompassrose5808]

Have to admit I love the Madame de Pompadour gown used in Dr. Who

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that episode did have awesome costumes

[@LaDivinaLover]

Little known fact. That gown from the Dr. Who in mention was originally used in “the Madness of King George” with Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte.

[@b0bbespoke]

When you find out Abby Cox is also a Simplicity Pattern model 👄👌🏻

[@AmericanDuchess1]

:-)

[@The.Dancing.Duchess]

I love dress analytics! I'd love to see it matched with a replica that could be touched/opened/talked about a little more so we can see the seam etc in "3D" rather than just a photo. The ones you included were great, I'd love to see even more. :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Great idea!!

[@normasouthwood3182]

The green dress with pink roses is my dream dress!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

indeed!

[@alexds8452]

Big fan of Jean & this dress is my fav., both in colour way & details! Thanks for makig this vid. & would love to see more.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks this was Lovely.🌹🌹🌹

[@1SaG]

Can't help but wonder how many "average man" monthly (yearly?) salaries this outfit would've cost back in the day... :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

lots. LOOOTTTTSSSSS

[@Beatriz-nk2pz]

This portrait's dress is really, really beautiful.

[@muffassa6739]

Yes please make more of these thanks

[@ArianaBauer]

I love this! I am planning a robe a la francaise for my Foundations Revealed entry this year.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

fantastic!

[@jameswsinger3639]

Fabulous!

[@dianek3410]

I made the blue one, very similar to this. I actually painted the stripes on the ribbon as I couldn't find the right ribbon anywhere. Took me a year as I hand-did everything including underpinnings and some lace. It's a gorgeous gown.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

wow, that sounds amazing!

[@ecologicaladam7262]

One of my favourite portraits!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

indeed, so gorgeous!

[@horstp.7995]

Ah thank you, I Love this portrait so much. It‘s huuuuge and so vibrant. I always admire ist, whenever I visit the Pinakothek in Munich.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I envy that you've gotten to see it in person!

[@horstp.7995]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Right Now I can‘t. All museums are closed till January. But soon....

[@yourbookladykatie]

Oooooohhhhhhhh I want to make a modern interpretation of this dress!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that would be awesome!

[@persiswynter6357]

Yes, do more Analytics! ❤❤❤

[@AmericanDuchess1]

will!

[@emiishino5422]

Yay! More of these, please!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

will do!

[@habituscraeftig]

I am more of a 17th-century girl, but I just seem to keep rewatching this. Very compelling format.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks! I have a growing love of the 17th century too

[@kaleighhannigan8061]

so excited to end my week with an american duchess video!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@annakovaleva324]

It’s great! 🙏 Thank you!

[@ashleyknutson2268]

Awesome video! Can't wait for more!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thanks!

[@hazeluzzell]

Loved the new series!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@avabeckbucket4421]

This is wonderful! 💓💖💕

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you so much!!

[@dakotatwilight]

Lovely, can't wait for more. And as I have both books can't wait until there are some more visual details on the makings of various components you haven't yet done.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Wonderful!

[@chickenleg002]

I always love the details on these dresses. Frequently I look at this particular era. And think oh! not for me! But I do think they are lovely!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@kellyhamergia]

My favorite rococo painting along with Fragonards The swing. Awesome video!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@jenniferstone2567]

I loved this! I'm aching for such a gown, so definitely coveting the patterns.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Go for it!

[@jenniferstone2567]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I intend to, once I can get them and the fabric.

[@debbiewakeland1353]

Love this vlog! Keep it up.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you! Will do!

[@annabellekahle5230]

OMG I'M ACTUALLY TRYING TO RECREATE THIS DRESS FOR A BIG PROJECT!! I came here looking for 1750s hair tutorials and I found GOLD

[@annabellekahle5230]

HAAA THOSE ARE THE EXACT PATTERNS I GOT TOO!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

glad to be of help!

[@alexhegel6811]

Hello American Duchess! I see in this video the ever-stunning mules you used to sell in your store. Is there any chance they will be making a comeback? I would love a pair, and know others will, too! Thankyou for a lovely look at this gorgeous dress!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

possibly!

[@LaDivinaLover]

I really miss your gal’s mules!! ❤️

[@AmericanDuchess1]

they may make a comeback some day :-)

[@KirileeCosplay]

Loved this! The patterns and the booker helped me so much on my current robe a la fraichaise :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad I could help!

[@christinelachance8012]

... à la française...

[@sivstalull9041]

THIS INFORMATION NOW LIVES RENT FREE IN MY HEAD Seriously tho, this was information I did not kow I needed but thank god I watched this video.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Very very nice! Do some more 😊😊😊

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thank you, I will!

[@laurencecordier9919]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge . So interesting and different from nowadays Prêt à porter' ... :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

My pleasure!

[@user-ss9ze1ue9j]

Какие красивые платья😍😍👍👍👍

[@CharleneCTX]

I've always loved the 1769 Boucher in the rose gold with bows on the stomacher.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

another gorgeous portrait!

[@foreverfierceover5075]

I absolutely love it! I have just found a way to incorporate historical dress into my real estate business and I need more info!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that sounds pretty darn cool!

[@54leonilda]

Crazy-balls over this content...TY💋

[@AmericanDuchess1]

lol thx

[@francoiseaugusta8049]

Notre. Française avait une classe et son styliste la mettait en valeur avec des modèles magiques

[@peggyr9623]

I vote for more of these videos! Love to hear the details of each one. So sorry to hear that Abby is gone. I'm surprised nothing has been said by AD. I heard from Abby's channel. Did I miss an announcement? Staying silent allows imaginations to go wild and it could effect the brand. Always stay in control of the narrative. Abby was very professional and AD should be as well, but it needs to say something...IMO

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thanks! We posted June 22nd (Monday) wishing Abby well in her new venture.

[@GonzaloWorl97]

What a coincidence, this morning I was reading a book about portraits in history and I saw one of Madame Pompadour's portraits, it was a different one but the dress was quite similar

[@AmericanDuchess1]

she had a couple done in very similar gowns, her trademark style :-)

[@LadyDragonbane]

Will there ever be more videos like this?

[@flikkeringlightz7472]

Nice marketing trick! 👌

[@AmericanDuchess1]

what do they call this in marketing school..."advertorial?" ;-)

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Is there a chance you could also do the 17th c?

[@tenaoconnor821]

I have the patterns but I haven't got the matieral yet. It's in my wish list ❤️

[@AmericanDuchess1]

awesome!

[@scottweeks6379]

Ohhhhhh LA LA ❤

[@obe3058]

Спасибо. Очень интересно, только быстро меняются субтитры и изображения, приходиться перематывать чтобы внимательно рассмотреть.

[@kimzeck9827]

💝💝💝

[@adelaperezavina2821]

Me encanta 💖

[@AmericanDuchess1]

gracias

[@talosheeg]

Hi! Do you two lovely ladies know where we can find leather binding for our stays? I'm going to be attempting to make one soon, and I cant find any!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yep you can get it at Burnley & Trowbridge.

[@kimmifer512]

That dress....beautiful! No wonder she caught the eye of the King of France!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

indeed!

[@heliedecastanet1882]

Actually, if you want to learn something funny, Louis XV and madame de Pompadour met during a costume ball and neither of them was dressed as you could think they should have been : madame de Pompadour was dressed as the goddess Diana, and the king… as a yew tree 😉

[@beauchateau5943]

Beautiful! Where can I get the shoes?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

the pink shoes are a past style we made called "Antoinette," in 2013. We have more mules/slippers coming along next year (2021)

[@beauchateau5943]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I saw in another video, your display of lovely shoes. I think they were black and brown with buckles. Not sure if there were other colors. But I liked those, too.

[@ah5721]

Her shoes look hellacious to walk in ! I could never dress in such a fashion but I love how y'all talk about how things are made ! its fascinating !

[@AmericanDuchess1]

glad you found it interesting! There's that fun art history depicition of itty bitty feet, although there are some surviving mules that are pretty sculptural indeed!

[@ah5721]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I have seen pictures of surviving shoes in the book "Accessories Shoes" by Lucy Johnston and Linda Woolley but I had thought perhaps this style was maybe the exception not the rule just .. I now suppose it wasn't ! at least for elite it was more possible because not having to actually walk to and from places often

[@adedow1333]

Where would I find such lace?! I have a desire to reproduce Mme de Pompadour's pink gown (also seen here in this video) but I have no idea where to find the necessary frilly lace.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

original 18th century lace is very hard to find. You can sometimes get close approximations with antique Edwardian lace on Etsy

[@franciscagomesdasilva5538]

🥰

[@antoinemozart243]

People often forget that dressing was an important matter in the XVIII th century. Clothes mean power, position.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

spot on

[@lucyvlogandart5166]

Could you do a dress analysis for maria yosepha's blue and yellow dress because it douse not look like a robe ala francie and I would like to know how it was constructed. Please notice my comment

[@AmericanDuchess1]

hi! If I have the right gown (I googles Maria Josepha) then you are right, it is not a Robe a la Francaise. It's a robe de cour (court gown) and is basically a pair of highly-decorate stays with sleeves. It laces in the back. :-)

[@lucyvlogandart5166]

@@AmericanDuchess1 thank you so much

[@Vereynique]

Just watched @sewstine video having made this same dress.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

she did an amazing job!

[@nadinekremann-will1188]

👏🏻👏🏻💕💕🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@AmericanDuchess1]

[@updownstate]

If I use these patterns will they give me a bosom?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

most probably - everyone's bosom is different and reacts in different ways to stays, but most get a least SOME cleavage.

[@updownstate]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I'm on it.

[@alejandrocorrea8243]

Who is Leonard?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Leonard was Marie Antoinette's hairdresser

[@SeerWalker]

oh man i'd kill for silk at $20 a yard haha

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that's round about the average from the shops listed in the video and description, although the price of silk is understandably going up a bit - $22-$25 seems to be where it's landing right now

[@user-ee2qi2qs5w]

저러니. 코코샤넬이 대박을쳤지 옷입다 하루가다갔겠네

[@naveedemaar]

Imagine how difficult it must become to undress for the night😅

[@AmericanDuchess1]

it's a lot quicker and easier to take it off than to put it on, I assure you ;-)

[@ChriaraCass]

I don’t understand how these dresses fasten closed over the stomacher... is it just pinned down by some maid?!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Funny you should ask - here's a video showing exactly that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3S2nKaHorp4iNk

[@lorib1696]

Looking at ladies shoes in paintings from that era always makes me cringe. The weird bend the foot has to make and the tiny pointy toes looks so unnatural and uncomfortable. I don't see how they were able to walk in them. There is one painting I like, The Swing by Fragonard. It shows a lady on a swing kicking her shoes off like she is saying, "Wheeee! I'm finally free of these things!"

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Speaking as an artist, poses are often exaggerated, sometimes quite a lot. There are also cultural beauty ideals at play, so those small, super high-instep arched feet don't reflect reality as much as say, the rendering of the silk of the gown.

[@lorib1696]

@@AmericanDuchess1 That makes sense and it's kind of a relief. I'm sure some people did wear things that made them uncomfortable much like people wearing stilettos to work today. BTW I hate those too. lol

[@wholeNwon]

She suffered greatly for her position.

[@azone9537]

Old clothes look so gorgeous.. the modern clothes just less attractive and all you rely on is your body figure and face ofc

[@alaskacosplay]

That dress is stunning but I dont really like her because she.....is a mistress and not a queen or a noble or an aristocrat.

[@antoinemozart243]

She was a noble...by marriage.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks this was Lovely.🌹🌹🌹