Madame du Barry

Madame du Barry, born Jeanne Bécu on 19 August 1743, was a prominent figure at the court of Louis XV. She rose from humble beginnings (her mother was a seamstress) to become the king's last royal mistress. Jeanne was made a countess by Louis XV, who was captivated by her beauty and charm, despite her controversial background. Her influence at court was substantial, as she played a significant role in the politics and intrigues of the time.

Louis XV's affection for Madame du Barry faced considerable opposition from the established court factions, particularly those loyal to the deceased Madame de Pompadour, the king’s previous mistress. The ecclesiastical faction and the nobility also opposed her because of her origins and the manner in which she had entered the court. Despite this, she succeeded in winning over many influential courtiers through her grace and generosity.

Madame du Barry's life took a dramatic turn following the death of Louis XV on 10 May 1774. With the ascension of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, her position at court became untenable. Marie Antoinette particularly disapproved of her, reflecting the queen's desire to distance herself from her predecessor's extramarital affairs and scandals. Consequently, Madame du Barry was banished to the Abbaye du Pont-aux-Dames in 1774.

Throughout the early years of the French Revolution, Madame du Barry attempted to maintain her standing by reclaiming her wealth and properties. However, her connections to the old regime eventually made her a target. During the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence and political purges from 1793 to 1794, revolutionary authorities viewed her past ties to the monarchy with deep suspicion. She was arrested on charges of conspiracy, primarily because of her alleged assistance to émigrés (nobles who had fled France).

After a brief trial, Madame du Barry was condemned by the Revolutionary Tribunal. She was executed by guillotine on 8 December 1793. Her death symbolizes the broader campaign against the perceived remnants of royal influence and luxury. Madame du Barry’s story highlights the complexities and shifting allegiances within the French court, as well as the drastic changes brought about by the revolution.

• Madame du Barry (Marie-Jeanne Bécu) was the last royal mistress of King Louis XV, and she had a significant influence in the court before the Revolution.
• Her lavish lifestyle and close ties to the monarchy made her a target of revolutionary fervor; she was executed by guillotine on 8 December 1793.
• Despite her humble origins as the daughter of a seamstress, du Barry became a symbol of the excesses of the Ancien Régime, representing everything the revolutionaries sought to overthrow.
• Du Barry lived in the opulent Château de Louveciennes, which was known not just for its lavishness but also for hosting extravagant parties attended by the elite of French society.
• Interestingly, du Barry was fluent in several languages and had connections with prominent social and political figures across Europe, showcasing her extensive influence beyond France.
• While the revolutionaries aimed to eliminate feudal privileges, they often overlooked women of du Barry's stature, who wielded real power albeit primarily through their relationships with men.