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Jeane Becu, Comtesse du Barry
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Jeane Becu, Comtesse du Barry
JEANNE BECU, COMTESSE DU BARRY (1746-1793) Paris shopgirl who became mistress to Louis XV but was guillotined during the Revolution Date: 1774
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Media ID 14264519
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1774 Barry Becu Comtesse Guillotined Jeanne Mistress Revolution Shopgirl
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait captures the enigmatic figure of Jeanne Becu, Comtesse du Barry (1746-1793), a Paris shopgirl who rose to become the favored mistress of King Louis XV. The painting, created anonymously in 1774, offers a glimpse into the allure and intrigue that surrounded the comtesse during her time at the French court. Born in Paris, Jeanne Becu began her career as a saleswoman in a lace shop. Her striking beauty and charisma soon caught the eye of the king, who made her his official mistress in 1772. The relationship was a source of scandal and controversy, as Jeanne was not of noble birth and her past as a shopgirl was well-known. Despite this, she won the heart of the king and became a fixture at the royal court. The painting captures Jeanne's captivating beauty and the elegance that came to define her as the king's mistress. Her luxurious gown, adorned with intricate lace and embroidery, is a testament to the wealth and power she wielded during her time at the court. The subtle expression on her face hints at the complex emotions that lay beneath her public persona. However, Jeanne's reign as the king's favorite came to an abrupt end with the onset of the French Revolution. In 1793, she was arrested and put on trial for her role in the excesses of the royal court. Despite her attempts to secure a pardon, she was ultimately sentenced to the guillotine. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of power and the harsh realities of the Revolution. This portrait of Jeanne Becu, Comtesse du Barry, offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who defied the conventions of her time and left an indelible mark on French history.
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