Dowsing is a form of divination to locate water (as well as metals, ores, etc.) usually conducted using a Y-shaped twig or two L-shaped rods (“dowsing or divining rods”). The practice was banned by the Catholic church. Even Luther agreed with the ban. He saw dowsing as a form of occultism (1568). An epigram by … Continue reading Le Sourcier- The Dowser
Who was Athos de la Fére?
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?
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
Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Marie de Vignerot was the daughter of René de Vignerot, Seigneur de Pontcourlay, and Françoise de Plessis, the elder sister to Armand-Jean du Plessis. Marie’s father was in the court of Henri the IV as Gentleman of the Chamber and Captain of the Guard. Her mother Francois was a devout woman and instilled in her … Continue reading Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Gaston Jean-Baptiste, Comte de Comminges (1613-1670)
Poor M. de Comminges! This is the only case where the fictionalized character in our story is not at all faithful to history. The real Comminges was the nephew of Francois de Gitaut, Comte de Comminges (1581-1663), known as the old Guitaut, who was the Captain of Anne of Austria's Guards. Gaston succeeded his uncle in … Continue reading Gaston Jean-Baptiste, Comte de Comminges (1613-1670)
Moyse Charas
Moyse Charas, or Moses Charas (2 April 1619 – 17 January 1698) was an apothecary during the reign of Louis XIV. He became famous for publishing compendiums of medication formulas, which played vital roles in the development of modern pharmacy and chemistry. He was pharmacist to Charles II of England. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Spanish … Continue reading Moyse Charas
Histories & People
Many characters in our story are historical. Dumas did the same with his four Musketeers. Other characters in our story, although fictional, are based on historical people and/or are combinations of historical people. As our story moves on we will be adding their stories here, for you to explore! Franz Hals 1630. Officers and sergeants … Continue reading Histories & People
Twelve Years After 