Creation of the French Royal Mistress: From Agnes Sorel to Madame Du Barry

This book explores the emergence and development of the position of French royal mistress through detailed portraits of nine of its most significant incumbents. It argues that the tradition of a politically powerful royal mistress materialized at the French court due to an idea of gender equality and a shift to a theatrical world that valued political guile. The role required an intelligent, charismatic woman associated with a king who sought women as advisors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2021
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Throughout medieval and early modern Europe, kings maintained extramarital relationships with various women. However, it was in France that the role of the royal mistress evolved into a quasi-institutionalized political position. This captivating exploration delves into the emergence and evolution of this unique role, offering a detailed examination of nine of its most significant incumbents.

In the fifteenth century, a convergence of key structures paved the way for the establishment of a court space for the royal mistress. The first factor was the prevailing notion of gender, which held that, despite legal inferiority, women were equal in competence to men. This notion played a significant role in legitimizing the position of the royal mistress as a counterbalance to the royal favorite, as queens were considered the safest regents for their husbands.

Moreover, the Renaissance era witnessed a shift towards a theatrical worldview, which introduced new ways of conceptualizing political cunning. The royal mistress, with her intelligence and charisma, became associated with this theatricality, fostering a positive perception of her role. However, the activation of the royal mistress required the presence of a king who actively sought women as advisors.

The chapters of this book delve into the fascinating particulars of each case, shedding light on the unique circumstances that shaped the role of the royal mistress in French history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this study elucidates why the tradition of a politically powerful royal mistress emerged exclusively at the French court, while it remained absent elsewhere in Europe. It will captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike, encompassing interests in the history of the French monarchy, women and royalty, and gender studies.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271085982