François 1er – Women at Court

Kieran, Isla, James and Laura

François Reign: 1 January 1515 – 31 March 1547 Coronation: 25 January 1515 Predecessor: Louis XII Successor: Henry II

His ReignFrançois' reign saw important cultural change.

A key player in the development and promotion of a standardized French language.Became known as “le Père et Restaurateur des Lettres”.

François & Marriage

18 May 1514, François married his second cousin Claude, the daughter of King Louis XII of France and Duchess Anne of Brittany.

7 July 1530, François married his second wife Eleanor of Austria, a sister of the Emperor Charles V.

François’ MistressesDuring his reign, François kept two official mistresses at court. a. Françoise de Foix,

Countess of Châteaubriant. b. Anne de Pisseleu d'Heilly,

Duchess of ÉtampesAnother of his earlier mistresses was allegedly Mary Boleyn.

Marguerite de NavarreWith his sister Marguerite, he was raised by his mother.François was initially an advocate of Protestantism thanks to his sister.

“Wherever courts existed as centres of wealth, artistic activity, and discourse, opportunities abounded for intelligent women to perform in the role of patroness of arts and culture.” Women of the Renaissance, Margaret L King

“Louise of savoy tutored the future King François I and his sister, Marguerite, according to the principles of Italian humanism.” Ibid

“Marguerite was the director of cultural matters at her brother’s royal court and the protector of a circle of learned men.” Ibid

Jeanne D’Albret (1528-1572)- la Nièce de François Jeanne D’albret was one of the key

figures of the French reformation

Jeanne's mother was Marguerite de Navarre

June 1541 - Jeanne marries at the age of 12 against her will - she had to be taken by the collar forcibly to the altar

As niece to François 1st she possessed a pivotal marital role.

Renée de France (1510-1574) - La Belle-Soeur de François

She was an important figure in the history of the Protestant Reformation both in Italy and in France.

“Because she carefully avoided explicitly revealing her religious loyalties and convictions in faith, it has remained a subject of debate whether or not she died a Huguenot.” Women as Models, Leaders, and Teachers of the Reformation, Kirsi Stjerna, pg 176

Conclusions…?Women in the court of François 1er were granted educational privileges as shown through Marguerite presence in social circles, her respect amongst her peers and Jeanne and Renée’s influence in the Protestant Reformation.

Hence, education was for Francois was key in the Reformation.

However, women were still subject to the constraints of wider society, as demonstrated in Jeanne’s forced marriage, François’ disregard for his sister’s emotional trauma (miscarriages).

BibliographyWomen of the Renaissance, Margaret L KingWomen as Models, Leaders, and Teachers of the Reformation, Kirsi Stjerna

http://www.reformed.org/webfiles/antithesis/index.html?mainframe=/webfiles/antithesis/v1n2/ant_v1n2_royalty.htmlhttp://www.britannica.com/biography/Francis-I-king-of-France