147 - MAINTENON (Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de), 1635–1719.

MAINTENON (Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de), 1635–1719. Letter from “Maintenon,” undated [Versailles], June 12, 1715, 2 pp., in-8, to Monsieur de Bercy, Intendant of Finances in Paris (Charles Henri de Malon, Lord Marquis de Bercy, Conflans, Pont de Charenton, Carrières, and La Grange aux Meuniers, 1678–1742, Intendant of Finances under Louis XIV from 1709 to 1715). Tear with loss of a few letters (resulting from the opening of the seal, which is itself missing). Madame de Maintenon refers to the criticism of Bercy’s excessive spending! Maintenon explains that she delayed her reply in order to “discuss with Monsieur Desmarets the matters concerning you”. She assures Malon of the support of her father-in-law and minister: “In him, sir, you have a good protector and a staunch defender, and he cannot deny Bercy’s excessive spending; he vouches for you on matters of greater importance.” She is thus most likely alluding to the considerable sums Malon had just spent on the completion and beautification of his Château de Bercy, work overseen by Jacques de La Guépière and completed in 1715. Maintenon reminds him that “the situation of your beautiful home is exposed to the eyes of so many critics,” urging him to continue his service under Desmarets’ protection. Maintenon concludes by recalling the services Bercy had rendered her and assures him of her loyalty. A valuable account of the splendor and political vulnerability of the great financiers at the end of Louis XIV’s reign. Written less than three months before the king’s death, the letter takes on new significance in light of the disgrace that would soon befall Desmarets and Bercy. Includes its original cultural property export certificate from the Ministry of Culture.