Marie de Sévigné (1626–1696)

Marie de Sévigné (1626–1696) was a writer whose works are now considered to be among the classics of French literature. Having initially been a guest at the Hotel de Rambouillet, Madame de Sévigné subsequently established her own salon where she welcomed guests with intellectual interests. These included the writer Mademoiselle de Scudéry (1607–1701), and Nicolas Fouquet (1615–1680), a patron and finance minister under Louis XIV (1638–1715).

Portrait de M. de Rabutin Chantal, marquise de Sévigné, en buste, de 3/4 dirigé à gauche dans une bordure ovale, artist unknown, 17th century; source: Bibliothèque nationale de France, Gallica, département Estampes et photographie, RESERVE FOL-QB-201 (71), public domain.