PRINCESSES OF SOUBISE
ANNE DE
ROHAN-CHABOT
One of Louis XIV’s many mistresses was a beautiful young noblewoman who was the Princess of Soubise. Louis had met her at Chambord not long after she had given birth to her fourth child—at the age of 21. The child was named Hercule-Mériadec de Rohan.
At the time, Louis XIV was somewhere between Louise de la Vallière and Madame de Montespan. The Princess de Soubise later became a lady in waiting for Louis’ wife Queen Marie-Thérèse. It was rumoured that Louis XIV was the father of her seventh child (she had 11 children in total).
In 1704 the Prince of Soubise bought the Hotel de Guise in Paris, which he virtually reconstructed and renamed the Hotel de Soubise. The Princess of Soubise died there five years later. When her husband died in 1712, Hercule-Mériadec became the Prince of Soubise and inherited the Hotel de Soubise.
THE MISTRESS’ SON MARRIES THE GOVERNESS’ DAUGHTER
Hercule-Mériadec de Rohan became a military man in Louis XIV’s army.
At 24 he married Anne-Geneviève, the only child of Madame de Ventadour—future governess of Louis XV.
Anne-Geneviève was the widow of the Prince of Turenne.
She became the Princess of Soubise when her husband inherited the title from his father.
The couple had 5 children. Anne-Genevieve died at the Hotel de Soubise at the age of 54.
MARIE-SOPHIE DE COURCILLON
Five years later Hercule-Mériadec remarried at the age of 63. His second wife was the 19 year old Marie– Sophie de Courcillon, who became the next Princess of Soubise.
The Prince of Soubise decided to redecorate the family mansion for her.
The décor was very much influenced by the theme of “divine love”. During the Louis XIV period, the use of fables or mythology had been reflecting glory. Now, in the 1730s people were more interested in the love lives of the gods and goddesses so “The Love of Psyché and Cupid” was a popular theme.
The young Princess of Soubise had the requisite formal bedroom (“Chambre de Parade”) where, in keeping with the model of Versailles, she held audience. As it was at Versailles with the king, being allowed to stand behind the balustrade was a mark of special favour. The princess’ “lit à la Duchesse” is a perfect example of Louis XV rocaille with its sinuous lines of foliage and flowers.
This grand bed is in stark contrast with the bed she actually slept in every night which was accessed by a door hidden in the panelling next to the fireplace.
The bed in the private room is a “lit d’alcove”.
This simple room is typical of the changes which occurred during the reign of Louis XV with the emphasis on an intimate private life away from the princely pomp.
The Prince of Soubise died at his residence at the age of 79. The Princess of Soubise died there seven years later.