Friday 30 October 2020

The Maréchaux of Louis XIV

The title of Marèchal de France was specific to the court of France; it should not be confused as being a military rank - rather it was an honourific title granted to generals who had distinguished themselves in an extraordinary manner on the battlefield. The outward signs were the baton of office which were blue and adorned with golden fleur-de-lys. The uniform of the lucky recipient also underwent changes once the honour was granted; seven stars were embroidered onto the epaulettes.

During the reign of Louis XIV, the title was granted to no fewer than 53 officers. Below you will find a complete list of their names, familial allegiances reason for receiving the honour - and a fun fact.


César de Choiseul, Duc de Choiseul

Family: Choiseul
Year granted: 1645
Military campaigns: La Rochelle, Isle of Ré, Italian campaign of 1635
Interesting fact: he remained on the side of the royal family during the Fronde which earned him the gratitude of both Anne of Austria and Louis XIV

Caesar, duc de Choiseul.jpg

Josias Rantzau, Comte de Rantzau

Family: Rantzau
Year granted: 1645
Military campaigns: Franco-Spanish War (for France)
Interesting fact: Josias was a Dane who used his military skill on behalf of four different sovereigns: the king of Denmark, the king of France, the Prince of Orange and the king of Sweden

Alaux - Josias Rantzau (1609-1650) - MV 1002.jpg

Nicolas V de Neufville de Villeroi, Duc de Villeroi

Family: Neufville de Villeroi
Year granted: 1646
Military campaigns: Italian campaign (possible the Cretan War of 1645)
Interesting fact: he gained the honour through Cardinal Mazarin and was later appointed as governor of the young Louis XIV


Antoine d'Aumont de Rochebaron, Duc d'Aumont

Family: Aumont
Year granted: 1651
Military campaigns: Fronde, Thirty Years' War
Interesting fact: he died from a fit of apoplexy in 1669

Antoine d'Aumont de Rochebaron


Jacques d'Étampes, Marquis de La Ferté-Imbert

Family: d'Étampes
Year granted: 1651
Military campaigns: Fronde, La Rochelle, Thirty Years' War
Interesting fact: before Louis XIV's ascension to the throne, he served Louis XIII in his wars against the French Protestants

Jacquesdestampes.jpg


Henri II de la Ferté-Senneterre, Duc de la Ferté-Senneterre 

Family: La Ferté-Senneterre
Year granted: 1651
Military campaigns: Dutch revolt against Spain, La Rochelle, Louis XIII's campaign in Lorraine and Rocroi
Interesting fact: he received his title following a successful defense of Hesdin against the Spanish army in 1639. When he was captured - during a campaign - in 1656, he was ransomed by Louis XIV to whom he had remained loyal during the Fronde


Charles de Monchy, Marquis d'Hocquincourt 

Family: Monchy
Year granted: 1651
Military campaigns: Franco-Spanish War, Thirty Years' War
Interesting fact: he died while defending Dunkirk

Charles de Monchy d'Hocquincourt

Jacques Rouxel, Comte de Grancey

Family:
Year granted: 1651
Military campaigns: Thirty Years War, Religious Wars
Interesting fact: he was originally intended - as the sixth child - to go into the church but decided on the army instead

Armand Nompar de Caumont, Duc de La Force 

Family: Caumont
Year granted: 1652
Military campaigns: Italian and German campaigns of Louis XIV
Interesting fact: he was a Huguenot Protestant who had no less than two horses shot out from under him during the Siege of Hondarribia

Armand de Caumont, duc de La Force.jpg

Philippe de Clérambault, Comte de la Palluau 

Family: Clérambault
Year granted: 1652
Military campaigns: Thirty Years' War, Fronde
Interesting fact: he was granted his title of Marèchal for his loyalty to the crown during the Fronde

Philippe de Clérambault

César Phoebus d'Albret, Comte de Miossens 

Family: Albret
Year granted: 1652
Military campaigns: Eighty Years' War (fighting for the Dutch against the Spanish), Dunkirk and Mardyck 
Interesting fact: Cardinal Mazarin was hesitant about fulfilling his promise of the title of Marèchal; it was only after court intrigue - including by César's cousin, Madame de Montespan - that César was given it.


Louis de Foucault de Saint-Germain-Beaupré, Comte de La Daugnon

Family: Foucault
Year granted: 1653
Military campaigns: Fronde and Siege of Orbetello
Interesting fact: he was initially opposed to the crown during the Fronde but changed sides in 1653


Jean de Schulemberg, Comte de Montejeu  

Family: Schulemberg
Year granted: 1658
Military campaigns: Thirty Years' War (where he partook in the defenses of Coblenz and Arras before commanding troops in both Berry and Artois)
Interesting fact: one of his finest military moments was when he drove back the Grand Condé before the city of Arras in 1654

Abraham de Fabert, Marquis d'Esternay

Family: Fabert
Year granted: 1658
Military campaigns: sieges of La Rochelle, Stenay and Exilles during the Huguenot Rebellions
Interesting fact: Abraham differed from the majority of the men on this list in one particular aspect - he was not an aristocrat. As such, he would become the first commoner to reach the title of Marèchal de France.

Fabert, Abraham (de), BNF Gallica.jpg


Jacques de Mauvisière, Marquis de Castelnau 

Family: Caustelnau-Bochetel
Year granted: 1658
Military campaigns: Flanders Campaign, Thirty Years' War, Franco-Spanish War
Interesting fact: he was shot while inspecting the Fort of Léon but managed to return to court. A short time later he died of his wounds

Jacques de Castelnau

Bernardin Gigault, Marquis de Bellefonds 

Family: Gigault
Year granted: 1668
Military campaigns: Fronde, Franco-Spanish War of 1635-59, War of Devolution, Franco-Dutch War of 1672-78, War of the Reunions, Nine Years' War etc.
Interesting fact: he was given the prestigious posts in the royal households of both Louis XIV and the Grand Dauphine and Grande Dauphine. If anything, he certainly deserved his promotion - he spent 41 years in active service!

Bellefonds, marechal.jpg

François de Créquy, Marquis des Marines 

Family: Blanchefort de Créquy
Year granted: 1668 
Military campaigns: Franco-Spanish War of 1635-59, Occupation of Lorraine, War of Devolution and War of the Reunions
Interesting fact: both he and his brother remained loyal to the crown during the Fronde. He would fall from grace in 1675 when he failed to hold the city of Trier - he was blamed for the failure by both Louis XIV and his ministers. Although not entirely disgraced, he would never enjoy the same confidence again

François de Blanchefort de Créquy (1629-1687).jpg


Louis de Crevant, Duc d'Humières 

Family: Crevant
Year granted: 1668
Military campaigns: Franco-Spanish War of 1635-59, Nine Years' War, War of Devolution and War of the Reunions
Interesting fact: along with the Marèchaux de Créquy and Bellefonds, he was exiled briefly in 1672 when they refused to serve under Turenne - it was a long-standing tradition that one Marèchal did not serve under another

Louis de Crevant, maréchal d'Humières, Grand Maitre de l'Artillerie (1685-1694).jpg


Godefroy d'Estrades, Comte d'Estrades

Family: d'Estrades
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Italian Campaign of the 1640's, Catalonian Campaign of the 1650's and the Dutch Campaign of 1675
Interesting fact: he was a skilled negotiator who was sent by Louis XIV to settle the treaties of Breda with Denmark and Nijmwegen with the Netherlands. He also arranged the restitution to France of Dunkirk.


Philippe de Montaut-Bénac, Duc de Navailles 

Family: Montaut-Bénac
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Thirty Years' War, Fronde, Franco-Spanish War, Ten Years' War, War of Devolution, Franco-Dutch War
Interesting fact: he was exiled with his wife when she refused Louis XIV entry in the chamber of Anne of Austria's young ladies

Philippe de Montaut-Bénac de Navailles


Friedrich Hermann von Schönberg, Duc de Schomberg 

Family: Schönberg (Schomberg in French)
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Catalonian Campaign and many others (but for foreign powers)
Interesting fact: This German (born in Heidelberg) had the honour of being not "only" a French Marèchal but also a General in both the English and the Portuguese Armies. He was forced to leave France after the Edict of Nantes was revoked. He died in the Battle of the Boyne.


Jacques Henri de Durfort, Duc de Duras

Family: Durfort
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: War of the Grand Alliance and Thirty Years' War
Interesting fact: he took part in the destruction of the Palatinate - home of Madame, Louis XIV's sister-in-law. He was in high favour with the king who allowed him to say what he pleased.


François d'Aubusson, Duc de La Feuillade 

Family: d'Aubusson de La Feuillade
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Fronde, Franco-Spanish War, Austro-Turkish War, Franco-Dutch War and War of Devolution
Interesting fact: he spent lavish sums on his Hôtel de La Feuillade which is said to have cost over 7.000.000 livres.

François III d'Aubusson.jpg


Louis Victor de Rochechouart, Duc de Mortemart

Family: Rochechouart 
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Flanders, Franco-Dutch War
Interesting fact: he was the brother of Madame de Montespan whose influence aided him in getting the position of General of the Galleys. He was later made Viceroy of Sicily and First Gentleman of the King's Chamber

1780 engraving of the "Maréchal de Vivonne" (Louis Victor de Rochechouart, Duke of Vivonne).jpg


François-Henri de Montmorency, Duc de Luxembourg 

Family: Montmorency-Bouteville
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, War of the Grand Alliance and War of Devolution
Interesting fact: he suffered from the disability of being hunch-backed; nevertheless, his mind was sharp and he is credited with never having lost a battle

Marshal luxembourg.jpg


Henri Louis d'Aloigny, Marquis de Rochefort 

Family: d'Aloigny
Year granted: 1675
Military campaigns: War of Devolution, Franco-Dutch War
Interesting fact: he was gravely wounded in 1676 which led to his death at Nancy


Guy de Durfort, Duc de Lorges 

Family: Durfort
Year granted: 1676
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War and the Destruction of the Palatinate
Interesting fact: he was born a twin, but his brother died in infancy. He would later so impress Louis XIV that he was elevated from his title of Comte de Lorges to Duc de Lorges

Blondel - Guy Aldonce de Durfort de Lorges (1630-1702) - MV 1042.jpg


Jean II d'Estrées, Comte d'Estrées 

Family: d'Estrées
Year granted: 1681
Military campaigns: Caribbean and Franco-Dutch War
Interesting fact: he was the nephew of Gabrielle d'Estrées, mistress to Henri IV. He suffered a naval disaster at Las Aves for which he was blamed by some. Nevertheless, once he made it back to France, the king absolved him of blame


Claude de Choiseul, Marquis de Francières 

Family: Choiseul
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War


Jean Armand de Joyeuse, Marquis de Grandpré 

Family: Joyeuse 
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War, Franco-Dutch War and War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: during the Battle of Neerwinden he was shot which resulted in the end of his active military career


François de Neufville, Duc de Villeroi

Family: Neufville de Villeroi
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: War of the Grand Alliance, Franco-Dutch War and War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: his nomination was almost entirely based on royal favour. He had been the governor of Louis XIV and had been a firm favourite for years. When he was made Marèchal he had never had a significant command in either army or navy. It was he who - for no apparent reason - decided to bombard Brussels to such an extend that the city had to be rebuilt in the 18th century

Caminade - François de Neufville de Villeroy (1644-1730) - MV 1043.png


Louis François de Boufflers, Duc de Boufflers

Family: Boufflers
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: Conquest of Lorraine, Franco-Dutch War and Nine Years' War
Interesting fact: he was wounded while besieging Mons and partook in the Siege of Namurs alongside Louis XIV 

Portrait du duc de Boufflers (bgw18 1264).jpg

Anne-Hilarion de Costentin, Comte de Tourville

Family: Costentin
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War
Interesting fact: he was an immensely successful naval commander who managed to heavily damage the 97 ships of the Anglo-Dutch fleet while himself having just 45 ships at his disposal - eventually, his enemies sent fireships at him which forced him to retreat. He would also inflict another defeat on the English-Dutch alliance in 1690 when he sunk or captured 15 ships

Tourville-musee-marine.jpg

Anne Jules de Noailles, Duc de Noailles

Family: Noailles
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War and War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he raised a regiment which (naturally) was named after him

Anne-Jules, duc de Noailles (1650-1708).jpg

Nicolas Catinat

Family: Catinat (commoner)
Year granted: 1693
Military campaigns: War of Devolution, Franco-Dutch War, Italian Campaign and War of the Spanish Succession 
Interesting fact: the other commoner on the list, Nicolas was the son of a magistrate


Louis Joseph de Bourbon, Duc de Vendôme

Family: Bourbon-Vendôme
Year granted: 1695
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War and War of the Spanish Succession 
Interesting fact: he was one of the best strategists of his time, even receiving praise from Eugene of Savoy. He earned the respect of his men by his calculated maneuvers which caused minimal loss of lives

Duc de Vendôme, 1706.jpg

Claude Louis Hector de Villars, Duc de Villars

Family: Villars 
Year granted: 1702
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War, War of the Spanish Succession and War of the Polish Succession
Interesting fact: while being a successful general, he was better known at court for his boasting - and his love for young men

0 'Le maréchal de Villlars' - Rigaud - Vaux-le-Vicomte.JPG

Noël Bouton, Marquis de Chamilly

Family: Bouton
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War, War of the Spanish Succession and War of Devolution
Interesting fact: he was granted the Order of the Holy Spirit


Victor Marie, Duc d'Estrées 

Family: d'Estrées 
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, War of the Spanish Succession 
Interesting fact: he served as a member of the Regency Council but had little flair for politics. Instead, he devoted his time to his enormous collection of art and books

Nicolas de Largillière - portrait of Victor Marie d'Estrées, Duke of Estrées in 1710.jpg


François Louis Rousselet, Marquis de Château-Renault 

Family: Rousselet
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Spanish War, Nine Years' War and War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he managed to withstand an attack by Cornelius Evertsen with 25 ships despite having just 6 ships at his own disposal

Chateaurenault.jpg

Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban

Family: Preste de Vauban
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War, War of Devolution, War of the Reunions and War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he was a forward thinker whose ideas clashed with the time he lived in. For example, he suggested that taxation should be spread out more equally and that borders should be decided by coherence and defensibility 

Sebastien le Prestre de Vauban.png

Conrad von Rosen, Marquis de Rosen

Family: Rosen
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War and Nine Years' War
Interesting fact: he was originally from Livonia - then under Swedish control - where he was exiled for killing an officer in a duel

1705 - Conrad von Rosen-Kleinröb (copie Joué).jpg


Nicolas Chalon du Blé, Marquis d'Huxelles 

Family: Chalon du Blé
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War
Interesting fact: he represented the king during the negotiation for the treaty of Utrecht  

René de Froulay, Comte de Tessé

Family: Froulay
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, NineYears' War, War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he was one of the leading officers who carried out Louis XIV's scorched-earth policy in the Palatinate

Le maréchal de Tessé.JPG


Camille d'Hostun, Duc de Tallard 

Family: Hostun de La Baume
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War, War of the Spanish Succession 
Interesting fact: Camille witnessed the utter destruction of the forces under his command at the Battle of Blenheim after which he was captured by the English. Nevertheless, he was made a Marèchal and made a duke when he returned to France


Nicolas Auguste de La Baume, Marquis de Montrevel 

Family:
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns:
Reason for receiving the title:
Interesting fact:


Henri d'Harcourt, Duc d'Harcourt 

Family: d'Harcourt
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: War of the League of Augsburg, Nine Years' War, Franco-Dutch War
Interesting fact: he was serving in the French Army of the Rhine when he suffered a stroke which forced him to retire

Maréchal d'Harcourt Beuvron.jpg


Ferdinand de Marchin, Comte de Marsin 

Family: Marchin
Year granted: 1703
Military campaigns: War of the Spanish Succession, Flanders Campaign
Interesting fact: Ferdinand died while serving as he was severely wounded at the Battle of Turin. He was captured and died in prison shortly afterwards


James FitzJames, Duke of Berwick 

Family: Stuart
Year granted: 1706
Military campaigns: Nine Years' War, War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he was the illegitimate son of James II of England (whose claim to the English throne Louis XIV supported) and Arabella Churchill

James Fitz-James, primer duque de Berwick (Museo del Prado).jpg


Charles Auguste Goyon, Comte de Matignon 

Family: Goÿon de Matignon
Year granted: 1708
Military campaigns: Franco-Dutch War, War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: he accompanied James II when set sails for Ireland

Charles Auguste de Goyon de Matignon

Jacques de Bazin, Marquis de Bezons 

Family: Bazin de Bezons
Year granted: 1709
Military campaigns: War of the Spanish Succession, Nine Years' War and Siege of Candia
Interesting fact: he was made a member of the Regency Council following the death of Louis XIV

Pierre de Montesquiou, Comte d'Artagnan  

Family:
Year granted: 1709
Military campaigns: War of the Spanish Succession
Interesting fact: not to be confused with the famous Musketeer from Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers" - although he was the cousin of the man whom that character was based on. He had no fewer than 3 horses shot out from under him during the Battle of Malplaquet

Alberico III Cybo-Malaspina, Duc de Massa

Family: Cybo-Malaspina
Year granted: 1703
Interesting fact: he was an Italian and appears to have led a rather obscure life

Wednesday 28 October 2020

Worn for War: Louis XV

 Uniforms & Armour 

A coat and waistcoat belonging to an infantry officer in the 1740's. Considering the time period, this could have been worn during the War of the Austrian Succession. The colour must have been a nightmare to maintain since travel in the military was usually done on horseback or down muddy or dusty roads. Photo credit: Fanny Reynaud at the Musée de l'aimée. 


These epaulettes belonged to a colonel in the army of Louis XV. Like today's versions, these would have adorned the shoulders of the officer. These were made from golden thread. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier at the Musée de l'Armée


The vest below belonged to a carabiner and is estimated to have been created between 1720-1762. It is remarkably well-preserved and has been lavishly adorned with 14 clusters of embroidery (in rows of three) on either side of the opening. The same embroidery pattern has been replicated on the pockets. The vest belongs to the Musée l'Armée and the photograph below was taken by Emilie Cambier.



This leather pouch (or giberne) belonged to a French naval officer in the 1740's. Its purpose was to hold cartridges; it is made of reddish leather with golden embroidery - note the fleur-de-lys. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier at the Musée de l'Armée

Weaponry 

Created in the 1730's the lack of more intricate decoration shows that this weapon was intended to be used as just that - a lethal weapon. The man who wielded it was a French cavalryman 



Sold by Christie's, this short-sword was made for a member of the French royal household, although it is not specified which one. The sword is delicately adorned with hunting scenes, including a fox chasing a hare and a dog harassing a bull. Three gold-inlaid fleur-de-lys can also be found; the sheath was originally covered in snakeskin. It is estimated that the sword was made between 1750-75.


Created by Jalabert-Lamotte - a favourite amongst the French royal family - this pair of flintlock pistols are from 1740. This appears to have been made for someone wealthy - likely a member of the higher aristocracy. Rather than the usual metal the trigger, trigger guards and hammers are all made of silver. An image of the goddess Minerva adorn the butt caps while the hammers are sea monsters.







This sabre belonged to a grenadier in the French Regiment. It was created during the last years of Louis XV's reign, having been dated to 1767. Photo credit: Emilie Cambier.




This partisan was made in France during the reign of Louis XV. Unlike the usual solar symbol of his predecessor, this one displays two roaring lions - but maintained the fleur-de-lys of France.

Partisan, Steel, wood, textile, metallic thread, gold, French


At first glance there is nothing particularly special about this pistol. However, its history tells a different story. It was made in 1731 by Pierre Girard for a guardsman in the king's bodyguard. Interestingly, it is marked "C. de Noailles" and has a sun etched into it.

Très rare pistolet de garde du corps du Roi...


Accessories 

Another piece by the Musée l'Armée, this saddle drape was the personal property of the Duc de Chevreuse, who served as colonel general of the Dragoons. It is another piece from the latter part of the reign of Louis XV, as it dates from 1763-71.



While not made for war, this is a good example of how ornate powder flasks could be during this period in time. This one was made for a hunting pistol in 1730's France.

FRENCH POWDER FLASK, 18th Century

Worn for War: Louis XIV

Uniforms & Armour


Considering that all courts across Europe had a tradition of sending their young aristocratic men into military service, it is hardly surprising that accessories for their martial part of life were common gifts. Louis XIV was gifted this armour in 1668 by the Republic of Venice. It was worn over the chest in an attempt to deflect incoming "projectiles" - whether in the shape of bullets, wood splinters or the like. It would seem that the plate has been subjected to some kind of use - note the indentation on the right side. Whether that happened during the Sun King's time or later is unknown.

 


The breastplate below is historically associated with the Marèchal de Turenne, to whom it may have belonged. It was created in the latter half of the 17th century with an outer "shell" of iron and a lining of velvet.


The crude metal of the protective armour was neatly contrasted by ornate embroidery, lace and rich fabrics. This coat, waistcoat and breeches belonged to either a French General or Marèchal. It is dated between 1690 - 1710 which would destine it for either the War of the Spanish Succession or the Nine Years' War.

General Officer's or Marshal's coat, 1690 (c)-1710 (c)


While not technically a uniform, this remarkably well-preserved set gives a good impression of the main part of a cuirassier's armour during the 1650's. Photo credit: Musée de l'Armée, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Pascal Segrette. Just like the breastplate of Turenne's above, this one is lined with velvet.



While being from a slightly earlier period than what this blog usually deals with, these tassets were just too ideal to not include. They were created in 1630, either in France or Flanders. Tassets were meant to be strapped to the thighs, thus offering protection to this area. This pair was rather sophisticated as it has been designed to cover the larger part of the knee. The tassets was worn by a cuirassier.

A Pair Of Tassets From A Cuirassier Armour


Another pair of tassets produced in 17th century France. This one covers the entire knee; one tasset is made up of 29 metal plates. The pair was sold at auction by Czerny's.


A pair of cuirassiers tassets dating: 17th Century provenance: France One complete with twenty-ni


Weaponry

Swords were not only a symbol of aristocracy but (naturally) used in its intended setting: war. This particular sword belonged to an officer in the Tessé Regiment of Dragoons. It was made between 1685-90 - as such it could have been used in the War of the League of Augsburg.


In contrast to the sword above, the rapier below was not originally intended to be wielded on a battlefield. Instead, it was intended to serve as the customary accessory to a nobleman's everyday attire. Since the Middle Ages, swords were worn as a status symbol and this continue well into the Enlightenment and beyond. Indeed, the only official requirement for access to the palace of Versailles (for a male) was that he wore a sword by his side. This particular one (now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, from whose website this photo is taken) was made in France in the 1650's. Note that the blade is significantly slimmer than the sword above - but it was still very much capable of inflicting mortal injury.

Smallsword, Steel, gold, wood, copper alloy, French, probably Paris


It was not uncommon for the king to bestow especially beautiful articles of weaponry on men who had conducted themselves in an exceptional manner while fighting for the king. This sword was given by Louis XIV to his Captain of the Corsairs, Alain Porée in 1693. The latter had participated in the defense of Saint-Malo against the English onslaught where he had distinguished himself. Unlike the sword from the unknown Dragoon above, this one is clearly intended to be for more ceremonial use. It is not only heavily gilded but is adorned with portraits of both the king and the captain. 

Antique Weapon, Sabre Sword, British Army | M.S. Rau Antiques


Not all weapons were intended solely for war. Hunting or shooting parties were common pastimes, so it was no unheard of for a man of the time to have a veritable armoury at hand - even in peacetime. These pistols were made for the Grand Dauphin and does not appear to have been made for use in active warfare. They are from 1687.



Generally, weapons were not an uncommon sight at court. Besides the mandatory sword worn by gentlemen and the sporting pistols of the aristocracy, the palace was heavily patrolled by both Swiss and French guards. Naturally, their primary function was to keep the king safe and they were fully equipped for the purpose. This pole arm was carried by the king's bodyguards between 1678-1710 and proudly display the sun - in clear reference to their sovereign lord. Note also the coat-of-arms with the French fleur-de-lys.


The one below belonged to a guardsman in the Dauphin's bodyguard - quite a difference between his and his father's! Nearest to the blade, there appears to be two dolphins (in their mythical shape) supporting the blade. This was quite common for articles belonging or referring to the Dauphin, as the French word for "dolphin" happens to be dauphin. The photo credit belongs to Réunion des Musée Nationaux.


The firearm below is flintlock pistol from ca. 1650 and was made in France. The metalwork is more detailed than what one might think by a quick look at it. It is adorned with both cupids and flowers. It is currently in the collection of the English Victoria & Albert Museum.



Accessories 

Going to war, as royalty, meant more than the political issue at hand. Once a member of the royal family arrived, he would often take part of or complete leadership. As such, it was necessary for him to be easily recognised. This sword sheath is adorned with the arms of the Duc de Bourgogne - note the fleurs-de-lys and the sun.


The saddle below (photo credit: Musée de l'Armée, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Anne-Sylvaine Marre-Noël) belonged to an officer. The saddle is particularly made in order for the rider to sit perfectly erect while performing the intricate maneuvers usually associated with French horsemanship. The officer must have been of some means; the saddle is made from velvet and has been adorned with golden embroideries.

Sunday 25 October 2020

The Remarkable Fertility of Marie Josèphe de Saxe

In an age when marriages were conducted solely on a political basis certain things were looked for in a prospective royal bride. Naturally, her family (and thereby the alliance she would bring) was the major consideration and was often only challenged by one other aspect - her ability to bear children.

In France, women - even royal ones - held little to no official political power. Even a queen only had a chance of having political influence if she acted as regent for her son until he came of age. A foreign bride's entire success was determined by whether she had given birth to a healthy son. The court of Versailles saw plenty of such foreign princesses who not only put under immense pressure but risked being "returned" to their families if they did not fulfil their primary function. This had been the case with Mariana Victoria of Spain who was betrothed to Louis XV but was later sent home when the Prime Minister realised that she was too young to bear children in the immediate future. Marie Antoinette, too, stands as another example of a woman whose child-bearing capabilities risked an alliance between France and the empire of Austria-Hungary.  

In 18th century Europe, the country of Saxony was renowned for producing remarkably fertile princesses. This is hardly surprising when one takes a look at the rulers of that part of the Holy Roman Empire. Augustus III of Poland, who was also hereditary Duke of Saxony, had at least 14 children by his wife and his heir, Frederick Christian had 9 by his Austrian wife - also named Maria Josepha.


Marie Josèphe in 1749

Understandably, this caused Louis XV to look there when searching for a bride for his son. Amongst these royal women were one in particular whose fertility astonished even those who expected children from her. 

Marie Josèphe de Saxe was married to Louis Ferdinand, son of Louis XV in February 1747 and conceived shortly after. However, the then 16-year old's future as a mother was far from certain. Her first two children - been in 1748 and 1749 respectively - were both stillborn. Naturally, this caused some concern and before long tongues started questioning whether the new Dauphine were able to carry a living child to term.

Such scrutiny and pressure cannot have helped Marie Josèphe's health. Despite this, she was soon pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter, Marie Zéphyrine, who died at the age of 5. Those who questioned the Dauphine's fertility were quickly silenced.  Between 1748 and 1759 she gave birth once a year (except for in 1758). In 1762, Marie Josèphe found herself pregnant again but suffered a miscarriage. Her final child was born in 1764.

In total, Marie Josèphe gave birth 13 times - and buried 8 of her children before they turned 10 years old. Those who survived to adulthood were Louis XVI, Louis Stanislas Xavier, Charles Philippe, Marie Clothilde and Marie Élisabeth.


Portrait of Marie-Zephirine of France,as a little girl, 1751. Jean-Marc  Nattier.
Marie Zéphyrine - the first child of Marie Josèphe who was
not stillborn. Sadly, she would die at the age of 5 (just
two years after this portrait was painted)

It should also be noted, that it is possible that she suffered more miscarriages in early pregnancy. Bertrand Fay claims that she suffered no less than eleven miscarriages but this number seems a bit high considering that she spent almost a decade being constantly pregnant. Despite losing so many of her children, Marie Josèphe had still produced three future kings.

As the years passed, the talk of the Dauphine's fertility turned to fervent praise rather than censure. Upon the birth of the future Louis XVI, the Marquis d'Argenson said of her: "There is a brave German who is giving us so many heirs to the throne". The Marquis de Souvré went further and declared that "one should only take women in Saxony (for brides, that is)".

Praised or not, Marie Josèphe's fertility undoubtedly took a toll on her health. The process of carrying and then giving birth to a child causes immense pressure on both body and mind - and this was in an age with little to no actual knowledge of either bacteria or obstetrics. Seen in this light, it is a wonder in itself that Marie Josèphe not only survived 13 births but also an unknown amount of miscarriages and the subsequent risk of infection. In this regard, the praise of her contemporaries was quite merited. 

Saturday 17 October 2020

The Massacre of the Duc de Brissac

Louis Hercule Timoléon de Cossé-Brissac had long played a prominent role at the court of Versailles when the 1780's came to a close. His loyalty to the crown remained even after the 6th October 1789. When the National Assembly decreed that the ci-devant king was to have a so-called "Constitutional Guard", it fell to the Duc de Brissac to led the guard - a task he took on willingly. His loyalty was aptly illustrated by his answer to why he chose to take on such a dangerous position: "I do it because I owe it to the king's ancestors and mine".

However, the National Assembly grew increasingly paranoid at the thought of the king having an armed guard at his side. Soon, they became convinced that it was only a matter of time before the guard would pose a threat to the new regime. Thus, it was disbanded. 

That was not the end of the matter for the Duc de Brissac. Louis XVI had attempted to warn his loyal courtier but in vain. Once again, the courage and loyalty of the Duc de Brissac shone through. He responded to Louis XVI's advise to flee with:

"Sire, if I flee they will call me guilty and you will be thought an accomplice; my flight would be an accusation against you and I would rather die!"

He was charged with treason; the claim was that he had encouraged the guardsmen to abandon the National Assembly and join the king's cause. Louis Hercule was to be sent to Orléans where he would face his "trial". Once at Orléans, he was imprisoned in Minimes where he was interrogated. 


Louis-Hercule-Timoléon de Cossé, duke of Brissac - Anonyme — Google Arts &  Culture
Louis Hercule Timoléon de Cossé-Brissac



The Duc did not lose his nerve behind bars. He set up games for his fellow prisoners to distract them from their dire circumstances. Nevertheless, he was not unaware of the position he was in. When the royal family were transported to the Temple he thought it necessary to rewrite his will - apparently, he knew the outcome of his upcoming trial. 

By September he was to be transported to Versailles. On the 9th September 1792, the wagon with 54 prisoners arrived at the former royal village. The Duc de Brissac stood upright in the third wagon with his blue sash fastened across his chest.  When the convoy came to a halt it was met by a group from Paris which has been described with the sinister term "assassins". According to some, they immediately asked who the Duc de Brissac were. Once he was pointed out they attacked - Louis Hercule was dragged down from the cart. He could not properly defend himself as his hands were shackled. Nevertheless, he managed to hold off his assailants for quite some time before he was cut down by a sword.

His attackers did not leave his body in peace. Instead, his ears and head were cut off and put on spike. From there they marched to the Château de Louveciennes where the mistress of Louis Hercule lived. She was particularly well known by the contemporary world as Madame du Barry. His head was then taken off the spike and thrown through her windows. As for the rest of his body, sources vary on what happened. Some claim that the limbs of those massacred were stuck on the fences of Louveciennes. 

Now, the remains of the Duc de Brissac are buried in the Cemetery Saint-Louis at Versailles.