Madame de Maintenon - In the corridors of power

April 16, 2019 July 21, 2019 Exhibition has ended

The first exhibition entirely devoted to the Marquise of Maintenon, on the tercentenary of her death on 15 April 1719, recounts the extraordinary life of Françoise d'Aubigné. She was born in a prison yet went on to become the Sun King's wife in 1683. The different stages of her life are shown in around 60 works from the collections of Versailles and other museums, including paintings, drawings, engravings, books, sculptures, medals, and so on. The visit passes through the four adjoining rooms of the apartment she lived in from 1682-1715, on the first floor of the Palace's central section.

Exhibition Catalogues

Madame de Maintenon. In the corridors of power - Exhibition catalogue

MX635506

€ 35

FRENCH LANGUAGE

Through the choice of works and the contributions of specialists from this period, this book allows the reader to discover Mme de Maintenon in all its aspects.
The 300th anniversary of the death of Madame de Maintenon is an opportunity to review the fate of an exceptional woman, born in a prison and now the wife of the most powerful king in the world. At the end of a poor and difficult childhood, the one known as the "Belle Indienne", married the burlesque poet Paul Scarron. After her widowhood, her friend Mme de Montespan entrusted her with the education of the children she had had with Louis XIV. This position of governess opened the doors of Versailles to Madame de Maintenon: privileged access to the king, social advancement and fortune.
His most brilliant undertaking was undoubtedly the creation of the Royal House of Education of Saint-Cyr, intended for poor young girls of the nobility. In the shadow of the Sun King, who married her in 1863, this woman of power was the almost queen of Versailles.

192 pages

Exhibition Madame de Maintenon, in the corridors of power at the Château de Versailles from 15 April to 21 July 2019.

More Details

Add to cart