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Maintenon / Tavernier
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Maintenon / Tavernier
Francoise d Aubigne MADAME DE MAINTENON widow of the poet Scarron, and second wife (secret) of Louis XIV Date: 1635 - 1719
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Media ID 14283340
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1635 1719 Aubigne Curls Earring Francoise Madame Maintenon Neckline Pearls Scarron Secret Widow Tavernier
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image captures the enigmatic figure of Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon (1635-1719), a woman who played a significant role in the court of King Louis XIV of France. Born Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart, she later became the secret second wife of the king, following the death of his consort, Marie-Thérèse de Bourbon. Françoise was a woman of humble beginnings, who rose to become one of the most influential figures at the Sun King's court. In this portrait, she is depicted in her later years, with her signature curly hair piled high on her head, adorned with pearls and an elegant earring. Her low-cut neckline reveals a hint of her ample cleavage, drawing the eye to her voluptuous figure. The Marquise de Maintenon was a woman of many talents, including a keen intellect and a strong will. She was a prolific writer, publishing under the pseudonym of the Marquise de Scarron, in honor of her first husband, Paul Scarron. Her literary works, which included novels, plays, and devotional texts, were popular in their time and are still studied by scholars today. Despite her humble origins, Françoise managed to navigate the treacherous waters of the French court, becoming a trusted advisor and confidante to the king. She was instrumental in the education of the royal children, and her influence extended to the establishment of the Royal Hospice of Paris, which provided care for the poor and the sick. This evocative portrait of Madame de Maintenon serves as a reminder of a fascinating woman who defied the conventions of her time and left an indelible mark on French history.
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