# Madame de Montespan

> French noble, mistress of Louis XIV; (1640-1707)

**Wikidata**: [Q230982](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230982)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madame_de_Montespan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/madame-de-montespan

## Summary
Madame de Montespan was a French noblewoman best known as the mistress of King Louis XIV. Born Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart in 1640, she held the title of Marquise de Montespan and served as a lady-in-waiting at the French court. She died in 1707.

## Biography
- **Born:** October 5, 1640
- **Died:** May 27, 1707
- **Nationality:** France
- **Known for:** Being the mistress of Louis XIV; holding the title Marquise de Montespan
- **Occupation:** Lady-in-waiting; Noble
- **Aliases:** Marquise de Montespan, Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Montemart

## Contributions
Madame de Montespan is associated with the Château de Clagny, a former French château near Versailles. The structure, which had its inception in 1670, was linked to her during her period of influence.

## FAQs
**What was Madame de Montespan's role at court?**
She served as a lady-in-waiting, a role defined as a female personal assistant at a court attending on a queen, princess, or high-ranking noblewoman.

**What family or heraldic symbols are associated with her?**
She is associated with the blazon of the Rochechouart-Mortemart family, specifically the "Blason fam fr de Rochechouart-Mortemart.svg," and her signature is recorded as "Signature of Françoise de Rochechouart, better known as Madame de Montespan.jpg."

**What are the key dates associated with her life?**
She was born on October 5, 1640, and passed away on May 27, 1707.

## Why They Matter
Madame de Montespan matters as a central figure in the court of Louis XIV, exemplifying the role of the official mistress (*maîtresse-en-titre*) which wielded significant political and cultural influence in 17th-century France. Her connection to the Château de Clagny highlights her impact on the architectural and social landscape of the era, as the château was a significant residence near the seat of royal power. As a member of the Rochechouart de Mortemart family, her lineage and position offer a distinct window into the dynamics of the French nobility during the height of the Sun King's reign.

## Notable For
- **Mistress of Louis XIV:** Primary figure of romantic and political influence in the French court.
- **Lady-in-waiting:** Served in the royal household attending to high-ranking women.
- **Château de Clagny:** Associated with this former French château near Versailles (inception 1670).
- **Noble Lineage:** Member of the Rochechouart de Mortemart family.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Madame de Montespan was born Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart on October 5, 1640. As a human and a member of the French nobility, she held citizenship in France. Her family background is documented through heraldic symbols, specifically the blazon associated with the Rochechouart-Mortemart family.

### Role at Court
Her professional life at court was defined by her occupation as a lady-in-waiting. This position entailed serving as a female personal assistant at a royal or feudal court, attending to a queen, princess, or high-ranking noblewoman. She is historically recognized primarily as the mistress of Louis XIV, a relationship that defined her public identity and historical legacy. She is also referred to by the aliases Marquise de Montespan and Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Montemart.

### Property and Residences
Madame de Montespan is linked to the Château de Clagny, identified as a former French château located near Versailles. The property's history notes an inception date of 1670, placing its construction during the height of her influence with the King.

### Death and Legacy
Madame de Montespan died on May 27, 1707. Her life spanned 67 years, beginning in 1640 and ending in 1707. Her historical presence is preserved through various records, including a portrait by Pierre Mignard (Madame de Montespan Pierre Mignard Studio.JPG) and her personal signature. She is classified as an instance of a human within knowledge base structures and remains a notable figure linked to the country of France.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. The Peerage
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Lingua Libre
7. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Autoritats UB
11. Enciclopedia Treccani
12. Sejm-Wielki.pl