Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry (1770-1774). François-Hubert Drouais (French, 1727-1775). Oil on canv
Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry (1770-1774). François-Hubert Drouais (French, 1727-1775). Oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington.Jeanne Bécu, comtesse du Barry, was the mistress of Louis XV. Placed in a convent in Paris at an early age, she received a very slight education. Subsequently she lived as a courtesan under the name of Mlle Lange. Her great personal charms led the adventurer Jean, comte du Barry, to take her into his house in order to make it more attractive. Her success surpassing his expectations, he succeeded in installing her as mistress of the king. In order to present her at court it was necessary to find a title for her, and as Count Jean du Barry was married, his brother Guillaume offered himself as nominal husband. The comtesse du Barry was presented at court on the 22nd of April 1769, and became official mistress of the king. -- source link
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