winterhalters:history meme (french edition) → 6 couples (5/6) Henri II & Diane de Poitiers“O
winterhalters:history meme (french edition) → 6 couples (5/6) Henri II & Diane de Poitiers “Over the course of Henry’s reign, the court participated in the ritual reenactment of their romance, for that relationship in many ways shaped and elevated his reign. The king’s devotion and the duration of their relationship gave Diane great political authority as his most trusted advisor, and more influence than any previous mistress. When Henry reigned, Diane, his long-standing, publicly acknowledged mistress, was much more prominent than his queen, Catherine de Medici. Diane did not allow her official status to undermine her reputation for respectability; she sought to be a model of propriety. Henry, less discreet than she and interested in proclaiming their relationship, made the illusion of her respectability difficult to maintain. To make their association clear, he adopted black and white as his colors. His reliance on her showed no signs of abating. As Contarini reported, Diane had been Henry’s inspiration, and he was bound to her and continued to love her despite her age.” – K. Wellman, Queens and Mistresses of Renaissance France. -- source link
#history#kings#16th century