gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, shell, ancient gems, Rome, Greece, ancient jewelry, rings

Sinkankas: About 1744, Pompadour’s beauty and accomplishments attracted the attention of Louis XV, who granted her a title and sought her companionship. She soon acquired considerable influence in court politics and foreign affairs. Pompadour was empowered to recommend ministers and generals, receive ambassadors, and correspond with other European courts. She also played an important role in bringing about the alliance between France and Austria against Frederick the Great in 1756. Under the guidance of Jacques Guay, she became an accomplished gem engraver in her own right. See Leturcq (1873), Biographie Universelle, vol. 35, pp. 283–291, for a biographical account, and Babélon (1894, 1902) for further remarks on Guay.