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Hortense Mazarin
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Hortense Mazarin
HORTENSE MANCINI, Duchesse de MAZARIN niece of Cardinal Mazarin, mistress of Charles II, Morte a Chelsey, Angleterre. Date: 1646 - 1699
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Media ID 14098395
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1646 1699 Angleterre Cardinal Duchesse Hortense Mancini Mazarin Mistress Morte Niece
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait captures the enigmatic figure of Hortense Mancini, Duchesse de Mazarin, in the twilight of her life. Born in 1646 in Italy as the niece of the powerful Cardinal Jules Mazarin, Hortense rose to prominence in the court of King Charles II of England. A beautiful and intelligent woman, she became the king's mistress in the late 1660s, a position she held for over three decades. The painting, created during Hortense's time in England, shows her in the somber attire of mourning. The year was 1699, and Hortense had recently lost her husband, the Duke of Mazarin, who had passed away in France. The duchess had been forced to leave England following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which had brought about the downfall of her powerful protector, King James II. Despite the sadness and loss depicted in the portrait, Hortense's eyes still hold a hint of defiance and resilience. Her story is one of ambition, power, and survival in a male-dominated world. The painting is a poignant reminder of the complex and often tumultuous relationships that shaped the history of the 17th century. Hortense Mancini, Duchesse de Mazarin, was a woman of remarkable strength and determination. Her life was marked by scandal, intrigue, and power struggles, yet she managed to carve out a place for herself in the annals of history. This portrait, with its haunting beauty and poignant symbolism, serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit and the enduring allure of the past.
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