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MONTESPAN (PETITOT)
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MONTESPAN (PETITOT)
FRANCOISE-ATHENAISE de ROCJECHOUART de MORTEMART, Madame de MONTESPAN, mistress of Louis XIV and mother of six of his numerous children. Date: 1640 - 1707
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Media ID 20157557
© Bubblepunk
1640 1707 Athenaise Francoise Madame Mistress Montespan Mortemart Numerous Petitot
EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the enigmatic figure of Madame de Montespan, also known as Francoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart (1640-1707). Born into the noble Rochechouart family, she rose to prominence in the court of King Louis XIV of France as his mistress and the mother of six of his numerous children. The image, dated around 1660, showcases Madame de Montespan's striking beauty and elegance. Her elaborate hairstyle, adorned with pearls and diamonds, is a testament to the opulence of the French court during this period. Her richly embroidered gown, with its intricate gold and silver threadwork, further emphasizes her noble status. Madame de Montespan's relationship with Louis XIV began in 1661, and she held significant influence over the king for over two decades. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and charisma, and her salon at the Palais-Royal became a center of artistic and intellectual life in Paris. However, her position at court was not without controversy. Her rivalry with the powerful and influential Madame de Maintenon, who later became Louis XIV's second wife, led to numerous intrigues and power struggles. Despite this, Madame de Montespan remained a prominent figure at the French court until her fall from grace in the late 1670s. This portrait offers a glimpse into the opulent and intriguing world of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV, and the captivating figure of Madame de Montespan continues to fascinate historians and scholars to this day.
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