Louis, Grand Condé
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
|
Related e |
|
Featured: |
Louis II de Bourbon, Prince of Condé (1621 – 1686) was a French general and the most illustrious member of the Condé branch of the House of Bourbon. He was one of Louis XIV's pre-eminent generals.
He is particularly celebrated for his triumphs in the Thirty Years' War, notably at Rocroi, and his campaigns against the Grand Alliance in the Franco-Dutch War. He rebelled against Louis XIV as the leader of the last Fronde in 1651, resulting in his exile from France until 1659.
Born in Paris to a noble French family, he received a thorough education, studying history, law, and mathematics. His father arranged his marriage to Claire-Clémence de Maillé-Brézé, niece of Cardinal Richelieu. Despite his love for another woman, he complied with his father's wishes.
Known as the Grand Condé, he demonstrated exceptional military prowess during the Thirty Years' War, particularly at the Battle of Rocroi. He became a powerful and influential figure in France, which made him a threat to Anne of Austria and her prime minister, Mazarin. During the Fronde rebellion, he initially supported the crown but later rebelled, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. After his release, he continued to fight against the royal forces but eventually defected to Spain.
He was pardoned by King Louis XIV and returned to France after the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. Condé became a loyal supporter of the king, living a quiet life at the Château de Chantilly and associating with literary figures such as Molière and Racine. Despite his contributions to France's military success, his personal life was marred by his unhappy marriage and estrangement from his wife.
Condé is remembered as a brilliant tactician and strategist, and one of France's greatest generals. His descendants include the present-day pretenders to the thrones of France and Italy, and the kings of Spain and Belgium.
