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The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini Princess Colonna and Her Sister Hortense

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Published in The Kings Mistresses: The Liberated Lives Of Marie Mancini Princess Colonna And Her Sister Hortense Duchess Mazarin

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In the opulent court of 17th century France, two sisters, Marie Mancini and Hortense Mancini, defied convention and lived on their own terms. Marie, the eldest, was a beautiful and intelligent woman who became a favorite of King Louis XIV. Hortense, the younger, was equally beautiful and witty, but she was also more independent and ambitious.

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin

by Elizabeth C Goldsmith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1395 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	290 pages

Both sisters were born into a powerful Italian family. Their father, Lorenzo Mancini, was a wealthy banker who served as the finance minister of France. Their mother, Geronima Mazzarini, was the sister of Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of France.

Marie and Hortense were raised in the luxurious surroundings of the royal court. They were educated by the best tutors and introduced to the finest society. However, despite their privileged upbringing, the sisters were not content with the traditional roles that were expected of them.

Marie was ambitious and longed for power. She set her sights on marrying Louis XIV, but her plans were thwarted by the king's mother, Anne of Austria. Hortense, on the other hand, was more interested in love and adventure. She had a series of affairs with some of the most powerful men in France, including the king's brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans.

In 1661, Marie married Lorenzo Colonna, a wealthy Italian prince. However, the marriage was not a happy one. Colonna was a cruel and domineering husband who mistreated Marie. Hortense, meanwhile, had a more successful marriage. She married Armand-Charles de la Porte, Marquis de la Meilleraye, a wealthy and influential nobleman.

Despite their different marriages, Marie and Hortense remained close. They were both strong-willed and independent women who refused to conform to the expectations of society. They were also both avid patrons of the arts and sciences. Marie founded a salon that became a center of intellectual and cultural life in Paris. Hortense was a writer and poet who published several works.

Marie and Hortense were both exiled from France in 1664 after they were accused of conspiring against the king. They spent the rest of their lives in Italy, where they continued to lead independent and unconventional lives. Marie died in 1715, and Hortense died in 1699.

Marie Mancini Princess Colonna and her sister Hortense were two of the most remarkable women of their time. They defied convention and lived on their own terms. They were both intelligent, ambitious, and independent. They were also both patrons of the arts and sciences. They were both exiled from France, but they continued to lead independent and unconventional lives in Italy.

Marie Mancini Princess Colonna

Marie Mancini was born in Rome on August 28, 1639. She was the eldest daughter of Lorenzo Mancini and Geronima Mazzarini. Marie was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was well-educated and well-versed in the arts. She was also a skilled dancer and musician.

In 1653, Marie was brought to the French court by her mother. She quickly became a favorite of Louis XIV, who was then a young man of 15. Marie was witty and charming, and she knew how to flatter the king. They spent many hours together, talking and laughing.

However, Marie's relationship with Louis XIV was not to be. Anne of Austria, the king's mother, was determined to marry her son to a princess of royal blood. She arranged for Louis to marry Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660.

Marie was devastated by the news of Louis's marriage. She left the French court and returned to Italy. In 1661, she married Lorenzo Colonna, a wealthy Italian prince. However, the marriage was not a happy one. Colonna was a cruel and domineering husband who mistreated Marie.

In 1664, Marie was accused of conspiring against the king. She was exiled from France and spent the rest of her life in Italy. She died in 1715.

Hortense Mancini

Hortense Mancini was born in Rome on July 6, 1646. She was the younger sister of Marie Mancini. Hortense was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was well-educated and well-versed in the arts. She was also a skilled dancer and musician.

Hortense was brought to the French court by her mother in 1653. She quickly became a favorite of the king's brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. Philippe was a charming and handsome man, and Hortense was smitten with him. They had a brief affair, but it was soon discovered by the king.

Louis XIV was furious with his brother and Hortense. He ordered them to end their affair and to leave the court. Hortense was exiled to Italy, where she lived for the rest of her life.

In 1669, Hortense married Armand-Charles de la Porte, Marquis de la Meilleraye. The marriage was a happy one, and Hortense was a devoted wife and mother. She had four children, two boys and two girls.

Hortense was a writer and poet who published several works. She was also a patron of the arts and sciences. She died in 1699.