68. The Couple Hid a Dark Secret
While on the outside, their relationship was happy and healthy, modern historians now know that the couple hid a dark secret behind bedroom doors. From 1750 onwards, Pompadour ceased being a sexual partner to Louis XV. Just five years into their relationship, they stopped making love. But the reason for their abstinence was so shocking that it's impossible to forget.
69. Pompadour Suffered in Silence
In public, the reason for Pompadour's shifting role was chalked up to her poor health. She suffered multiple miscarriages, her childhood bout with whooping cough had weakened her, and she always seemed to have a cold or bronchitis. But behind closed doors, there was another reason: Pompadour just wasn't that interested in bedroom-based activities.
Louis XV, The black sun (2009), Les Films d
70. She Had a Strange Secret
It turns out that despite Madame de Pompadour's reputation as a beautiful mistress, she didn't actually have a voracious sexual appetite. She even went on a bizarre celery, truffle, and vanilla diet to try to feel more "in the mood." Unsurprisingly, this nauseating combination of flavors did not end up doing anything to help the royal mistress feel randy.
Louis XV, The black sun (2009), Les Films d
71. Her Portrait Hid a Scandalous Secret
There are numerous portraits of Madame de Pompadour—but only one reveals her darkest secret. Towards the end of her life, Pompadour commissioned a painting of her embroidering fabric. It seemed like an innocent activity, but the truth wasn’t so simple: Pompadour would meet with world leaders and negotiate power while demurely embroidering.
Pompadour's portrait was nowhere near as meek and unassuming as it seemed.
72. She Betrayed her Love
Madame de Pompadour was King Louis XV’s great love, but few people know she betrayed him with an utterly brutal act. Pompadour was deeply engaged in arts and culture, and one of her project was editing the first French Encyclopedia by her frenemy Diderot and his co-writer d'Alembert. The book championed science and criticized both the law and the church. Historians now call it the “intellectual prologue” to the French Revolution. The violent uprising would see Louis’ grandson beheaded at the guillotine.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
