Marie Mancini

Marie Mancini (1639-1715) was an Italian aristocrat, best known as a niece of Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of France during the minority of Louis XIV. She was one of the Mazarinettes, a group of seven nieces brought to the French court by the Cardinal to secure advantageous marriages and positions of influence.

Marie is particularly remembered for her passionate and ultimately doomed romance with the young King Louis XIV. Their relationship blossomed during Louis's early years on the throne, and Marie, an intelligent and well-read woman, captivated him with her wit and intellectual curiosity. She encouraged his interest in the arts and political matters.

However, their affair faced staunch opposition from Louis's mother, Anne of Austria, and Cardinal Mazarin. They deemed Marie unsuitable as a queen due to her relatively low social standing (despite being a niece of the powerful Cardinal) and the potential for political instability. The pragmatic concerns of state demanded a bride with a royal pedigree who could solidify France's international position.

Despite Louis's strong feelings for Marie, he ultimately yielded to the pressure from his advisors and family. In 1661, Marie was abruptly married to Prince Lorenzo Onofrio Colonna, an Italian nobleman. This marriage was intended to remove her from the French court and end the relationship with the King.

The marriage to Colonna proved unhappy. Marie, independent-minded and rebellious, found herself constrained by the expectations of her position and the personality of her husband. She bore him three children but eventually left him in 1672, embarking on a life of travel and intellectual pursuits throughout Europe. She spent time in England, Spain, and other countries, often involved in political intrigues and scandals.

Marie Mancini was a complex and fascinating figure. Her story highlights the clash between personal desire and political necessity, and she remains a notable figure in the history of the French court. She wrote her memoirs, which provide a valuable first-hand account of her experiences and perspectives.