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Maintenon / Petitot / Miniat
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Maintenon / Petitot / Miniat
Francoise d Aubigne, madame de MAINTENON, widow of the poet Scarron, and second wife (secret) of Louis XIV
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Media ID 605692
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10053589
1635 1719 Francoise Madame Maintenon Scarron Secret Widow Daubigne Petitot
EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the enigmatic figure of Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon (1635-1719), a woman of intrigue and mystery who became the secret second wife of King Louis XIV of France (1638-1715). Born Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart, she later took the names Petitot and Miniat before marrying poet Scarron in 1651. The exact date of this portrait is unknown, but it is believed to have been created around 1719, the year of her death. The painting showcases Maintenon's mature and regal appearance, with her piercing eyes and elegant attire, which hint at her strong will and determination. Her expression suggests a woman of intelligence and cunning, who was well-versed in the art of manipulation and intrigue. Maintenon's relationship with Louis XIV began in 1660, when she became the governess of his children from his first marriage. The nature of their relationship remained a secret for many years, with rumors of a romantic liaison circulating among the French court. It was only in 1680, when Maintenon gave birth to a son, Louis-César de Bourbon, that the secret was finally revealed. Despite the controversy surrounding her marriage to the king, Maintenon proved to be a devoted and influential wife. She played a significant role in the education of the royal children and the administration of the royal household. Her influence extended beyond the court, as she founded the Order of the Adoration of the Sacred Heart and established the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris, a charity hospital. This portrait serves as a reminder of the complex and fascinating life of Françoise d'Aubigné, a woman who defied convention and left an indelible mark on French history.
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