Jeanne du Barry

Jeanne Becu was the illegitimate daughter of a woman from the Champagne region who had become a cook in Paris. After starting life as an assistant in a milliner’s shop, Jeanne attached herself to a Gascon pimp and cardsharper, Comte Jean Du Barry, known from his large female entourage as "Mahomet". She spent four years working for Mahomet as a high-class expensive prostitute. Then she came to the notice of the King, lonely since the death of his mistress Madame de Pompadour (did not show in RoV). She had no conversation, nothing to recommend her but the bloom of youth and sexual expertise. The King ordered her to marry Comte Jean Du Barry, so that she could come to Court. Louis XV installed her in the late Queen’s apartments. There was not any poisoning of her husband like RoV described.

The King allowed her to decide which plays and operas should be given at Court. Louis was polite to her but had no respect of her.

Antoinette’s first reaction to her was, "it is pitiable to see the weakness he (the King) has for Madame du Barry, who is the silliest and most impertinent creature imaginable."

Madame du Barry did not accompany Louis XV when he was in serious ill like Episode 9—"The Sun Sets, The Sun Rise". Louis XV sent her out of court right before his death.

After Louis XV's death, Mme du Barry was sent to Abbey of Pont aux-Dames under restriction to see or write to anyone. Later on, when the restriction was loosen, she owned her house again. During that time, she had other men.

She showed up again in the Diamond Necklace Affair as a court witness by the request of Jeanne de la Motte. But she did not address anything important to the court decision.

When the French Revolution started, Mme du Barry wrote a letter to Marie Antoinette to offer help, and claimed herself as most faithful subject and servant. Marie Antoinette wrote a note of thanks back to her. That was the last contact between Mme du Barry and Marie Antoinette.

The robbery of her jewlery made Mme du Barry went to England several times.

She was arrested by the National Convention because she caused the misfortune of France. She was accused of conspiring against the French Republic and having favored the success of the arms of the enemies in its territory by procuring for them exorbitant sums in her journeys to England, where she herself emigrated. She was gullotined.


Please go to Events to see details on Madame du Barry's fight with Marie Antoinette.

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