Jeanne Becu at The Louvre, Paris

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Jeanne Bécu, comtesse du Barry, was a woman of great beauty and charm who rose from humble beginnings to become the last Maîtresse-en-titre of Louis XV of France. Born on August 19, 1743, she would eventually meet her demise on December 8, 1793, during the Reign of Terror. As Mademoiselle Lange, Jeanne quickly became a sensation in Paris, attracting many aristocratic admirers with her stunning looks and captivating personality. She had numerous lovers among the king's ministers and courtiers, including the dashing Maréchal de Richelieu, who would become one of her most loyal companions. It was through Richelieu that Jeanne caught the eye of Louis XV in 1768 while on an errand at Versailles. The king was immediately smitten with her charms, but she lacked a title to formally qualify as his mistress. To solve this problem, Jean du Barry, her lover and future husband, arranged for her to marry his brother, Comte Guillaume du Barry, on September 1, 1768. The marriage ceremony included a false birth certificate created by Jean du Barry himself, making Jeanne appear three years younger and of noble descent. With her new title, Jeanne was installed in the king's quarters at Lebel's former rooms. However, she lived a lonely life, unable to be seen with the King until a formal presentation took place. Few nobles at court deigned to acknowledge her presence, due to her humble origins and attempts to mingle with those above her station. Comte du Barry constantly pressured Jeanne to speak with the king about a formal presentation. Louis XV, in turn, asked her to find a suitable sponsor for the occasion. Richelieu took responsibility for arranging this, but his efforts were thwarted by Madame de Béarn, who initially agreed to sponsor Jeanne but then feigned an injury on both occasions when the presentation was supposed to take place. Finally, Jeanne was presented to the Court at Versailles on April 22, 1769. She made a stunning impression wearing a queenly silvery white gown brocaded with gold and adorned with jewels sent by the king. Her hairdo was also spectacular, causing her late arrival. Jeanne's triumph was short-lived, as she soon became embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Madame de Grammont, Choiseul's sister. The two women had opposing interests and personalities, with Jeanne emerging as the clear favorite of Louis XV. Despite this, she made both friends and enemies at court due to her new position. Her golden age would eventually arrive when she was rid of Choiseul and Grammont, and her family benefited from their connections to the mistress. Her mother, Anne, became Marquise de Montrabé and resided in a luxurious apartment in the Couvent de Sainte-Elisabeth. Jeanne had little interest in politics but enjoyed ordering new gowns and jewelry. The king even allowed her to participate in state councils. A pleasant anecdote recorded by Mme. Campan recalls that Louis XV said to the duc de Noailles, "With Madame du Barry, I have discovered new pleasures; 'Sire,' answered the duke - 'that's because your Majesty has never been in a brothel.'" Jeanne was known for her good nature and support of artists but grew increasingly unpopular due to the king's financial extravagance towards her. Despite receiving three hundred thousand livres per month from the king, she was forever in debt. Sources: Wikipedia