Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, commonly known as Madame de Pompadour, was a member of the French court. She was the official chief mistress of King Louis XV from 1745 to 1751, and remained influential as court favourite until her death.

The maîtresse-en-titre was the chief royal mistress of the King of France. The title was vaguely defined and used in the Middle Ages but finally became an acknowledged office during the reign of Henry IV and continued through the reign of Louis XV. It was a semi-official position which came with its own apartments, estates and a title if the woman did not have any. The position could come with significant power, even more influence than the Queen of France, as some mistresses were known to advise the King of France sometimes in state affairs if he was so infatuated, broker favors for clients, elevate others in social mobility, forge alliances and negotiate with foreign diplomats all the while supplying the king his emotional and physical needs at the same time enriching themselves in the relationship. In contrast, the title petite maîtresse was the title of a mistress who was not officially acknowledged.