Anne de Rohan (poétesse)

Anne de Rohan (1584-1646), also known as Anne de Rohan-Soubise, was a French poetess and a prominent member of the Rohan family, a powerful noble house in Brittany with strong Protestant convictions. She was the daughter of René II, Viscount of Rohan, and Catherine de Parthenay. Her brother was the renowned Huguenot leader Henri, Duke of Rohan.

Anne de Rohan was educated in the Reformed faith and received a thorough classical education, demonstrating proficiency in languages and literature. She is known for her staunch advocacy of the Protestant cause and her influence on her brother's political decisions. While a significant amount of her correspondence survives, fewer of her poems are extant, but those that remain offer insight into her religious beliefs and the political turmoil of the era. Her work is characterized by its sincerity and devotional nature.

Due to the political climate of France during the religious wars, and the relatively limited scope of surviving works, a comprehensive understanding of her poetic output remains challenging. Nevertheless, Anne de Rohan occupies an important place as a woman of letters involved in the religious and political struggles of 17th-century France. She is considered a representative voice of the Huguenot nobility and provides valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of Protestant women of the period. Her literary contributions, although limited in quantity, are historically significant.