Affaire Collection
EDITORS COMMENTSThe Affair of the Marquise de Brinvilliers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Affair of the Marquise de Brinvilliers: A Tale of Intrigue and Scandal in 17th Century Paris The Entrance to the Marquise de Brinvilliers' Hotel at 28 rue de Bievre in Paris (chalk & gouache on paper) offers a glimpse into the opulent world of this notorious noblewoman. But behind the grand façade, dark secrets were brewing in her courtyard and laboratory (chalk & gouache on paper). In 1676, the Marquise's macabre scheme came to light with her Execution (engraving), following her conviction for plotting to poison her parents and siblings. Her fate was sealed, but her story continued to captivate the public imagination. M Nourseblanc was convinced she was "on her affair" (litho), as depicted in this chalk & pencil drawing of the Marquise on her way to her death. The Marquise de Brinvilliers' trial echoed the infamous Dreyfus Court-Martial in the 19th century, where false accusations and political machinations also played a role (b/w photo). Voltaire intervened on behalf of the Calas family in 1762, whose daughter was falsely accused of murder (oil on canvas at Ferney). The Marquise's story resonated with the philosopher, who saw parallels between her case and the Calas family's plight. The French Revolution in 1791 brought about a new era, where the old order was dismantled and justice was supposed to be served fairly. Yet, the legacy of the Marquise de Brinvilliers' Affair continued to cast a long shadow over French history and the human capacity for deception and manipulation.
