Francoise Daubigne Collection
Francoise d'Aubigne, also known as Madame Scarron and later the Marquise de Maintenon, was a prominent figure in French history during the 17th and 18th centuries
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Francoise d'Aubigne, also known as Madame Scarron and later the Marquise de Maintenon, was a prominent figure in French history during the 17th and 18th centuries. Born in 1635, she would go on to become the second wife of King Louis XIV of France. In portraits from that era, Francoise is often depicted wearing a black hood over a tall lace and ribbon headdress called Fontange. Her attire includes a mantua made of blue velvet with ermine trimmings, which adds an air of regality to her appearance. One such portrait showcases Francoise d'Aubigne surrounded by her Ladies in Waiting. This engraving captures the elegance and grace that she exuded throughout her life. Another artwork portrays Francoise as Madame Scarron before her marriage to Louis XIV. This painting dates back to around 1670 and was created anonymously. It offers us a glimpse into her earlier years when she was still establishing herself as an influential figure at court. The Chateau de Maintenon holds great significance for Francoise as it became her residence after marrying Louis XIV. Views of this magnificent castle show its grandeur both from the entrance and within its beautiful gardens. A notable portrait depicts Madame de Maintenon alongside the natural children of Louis XIV. It highlights not only her role as queen consort but also showcases her dedication towards nurturing these children who were born out of wedlock. Even Peter the Great paid a visit to Madame de Maintenon in 1717, demonstrating how highly esteemed she was among European monarchs during that time period. Interestingly, there is also an intriguing image where Madame de Maintenon disguises herself as a monk around 1690. The reasons behind this disguise remain unknown but add an element of mystery to her already fascinating life story. Throughout history, various artists have captured different aspects of Francoise's life, including her marriage to Louis XIV and her interactions with other influential figures.