As we explain with a different post, Dumas’ Three Musketeers is based on a romance, a pseudo-memoir about the historical d’ Artagnan—Charles de Batz de Castlemore d’ Artagnan—written by an almost contemporary of his, Gatien Courtliz de Sandras. It was Dumas, however, who fleshed out, and "gave life" to the “Four Inseparables”, the "Three Musketeers" … Continue reading Who was Athos de la Fére?
Chapter Seventeen-Intermezzo, by Mordaunt
Zwischenzug, Intermezzo, or in-between move is a chess tactic, whereby a player instead of the expected move, interposes another move that is an immediate threat, thus forcing the opponent to respond, and only then plays the expected move. No one knows when the first intermezzo was played, but it must have been played long before … Continue reading Chapter Seventeen-Intermezzo, by Mordaunt
Gatherings of Equal Minds: Ruelle, Salon, and the Chambre Bleue of Madame de Rambouillet
Réunion de dames, Abraham Bosse, 17th century The kind of gathering called “salon” first appeared in Italy in the 16th century, but developed in France throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside fostering political and social alliances and exchanges, the purpose of such gatherings of “equal minds” adhered to Horatio’s definition of the purpose of … Continue reading Gatherings of Equal Minds: Ruelle, Salon, and the Chambre Bleue of Madame de Rambouillet
The Guest List of the Duchess de Chevreuse!
The Luynes Staircase at the Musée Carnavalet "Pandora" (Chapter 13), lists several guests from the gathering, at the townhouse of the Duchess de Chevreuse who have historical counterparts, besides Marie Cessette, M. de Rohan, and Sylvine Mercier, who are fictional. Below is a.... "who is who" from the duchess' guest list! Click here, find out why … Continue reading The Guest List of the Duchess de Chevreuse!
Pandora(s) or Why we picked that title for Chapter 13
The Dolls One of the oldest fashion dolls is displayed in the Livrustkammaren (Royal Armory Museum) in Stockholm. She has clothes made of silk which are embroidered with gold and silver thread. Her wig is made from real human hair and is styled in an elaborate coiffure. The high quality of the doll’s clothes and … Continue reading Pandora(s) or Why we picked that title for Chapter 13
Duchess de Chevreuse
1. Attributed to Claude Deruet , Portrait of Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Chevreuse (1600-1679) as Diana the Huntress (circa 1627), Palace of Versailles; 2. Marie with her son Louis Charles; she poses as Diana and her son as Hercules; 3. Entourage of Daniel Dumonstier , Portrait of Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Luynes (circa … Continue reading Duchess de Chevreuse
Which Hôtel de Chevreuse?
Hôtel de Chevreuse, (later Hôtel d'Épernon, then Hôtel de Longueville) vs. Hôtel de Chevreuse (later Hôtel de Luynes). Street front of the Hôtel de Chevreuse (later Hôtel d'Épernon, and later Hôtel de Longueville) before 1655, engraved after Jean Marot and published in Topographia Galliae. This is great example of how aristocrats owned several mansions in Paris. … Continue reading Which Hôtel de Chevreuse?
Chapter Fifteen-Pandora, by Mordaunt
“Madame is in her salon…” the footman at the door barely has time to speak. M. de Rohan is already running up the stairs two at a time, hat in hand. He flings open the door of Marie Cessette’s private salon, where she sits at her writing desk finishing her daily correspondence. She springs to … Continue reading Chapter Fifteen-Pandora, by Mordaunt
Chapter Thirteen-In the Family, by Mordaunt
The warmth of Layla’s kiss lingers on Raoul’s lips. It was unexpected, as is everything else about Layla. This is why she is compelling. She reads him perfectly, whereas he always finds himself dumbfounded. Her unwavering faith in him echoes in his mind: I will wait…I will never give up…I will love you always… Raoul … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen-In the Family, by Mordaunt
Chapter Eleven-Artful Retreat, by Mordaunt
I am your King, Monsieur! If he were still the man Captain d’ Artagnan recruited, impressionable and awestruck by the Musketeer legends, Fabien Marchal would have sought the counsel of Captain d’ Artagnan, whom he revered, and those he called his trusted friends: M. de Rohan, Layla Grimaud, and Raoul. But Fabien Marchal has outgrown … Continue reading Chapter Eleven-Artful Retreat, by Mordaunt
Twelve Years After 