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Madeleine Des RochesFrench writer and poet of the Renaissance period
Date of Birth: 01.01.1520
Country:  France |
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Madeleine des Roches
Madeleine des Roches was a French Renaissance writer and poet of considerable renown. She was also the mother of the poet Catherine de Parthenay (née Catherine des Roches), to whom she imparted her passion for poetry, literature, and classical languages.
Early Life and Education
Madeleine des Roches received an exceptional education for her time. She was an avid reader and scholar, immersing herself in the works of antiquity. Her intellectual pursuits were complemented by a strong foundation in the arts, including poetry and music.
Literary Career
Madeleine's daughter, Catherine, surpassed her mother in beauty but was known for her haughty demeanor. Their salon in Poitiers, which flourished from 1570 to 1587, became a literary hub, attracting poets and writers from across the region. Catherine's presence in this circle made her a precursor to later influential women such as Marie Le Jars de Gournay and Julie Rambouillet d'Angennes.
Madeleine and Catherine collaborated on a collection of poetry entitled "Les pulces poétiques, premières œuvres de m-mes D. de Poitiers, mère et fille" (1579). This work was well-received, and they subsequently published a second volume, "Secondes œuvres de m-mes D. de Poitiers, mère et fille" (1584). Their writings showcased their erudition, wit, and poetic talent.
Personal Life
Madeleine des Roches' personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She was widowed at a young age and subsequently lived a modest life in her hometown. Despite their close bond, her relationship with her daughter was strained by Catherine's arrogance.
Tragic End
In 1587, both Madeleine and Catherine des Roches succumbed to the plague within a single day. Their untimely deaths cast a shadow over the literary scene in Poitiers and beyond. Their work continued to be admired and studied, cementing their legacy as significant figures in the French Renaissance.
