European History

Introduction Diane de Poitiers stands as a captivating figure in the annals of French history. Best known as the beloved mistress of King Henry the Second, she transcended the conventional role of a royal favorite, wielding considerable influence over the French court and leaving an indelible mark on the Renaissance era. Her name is synonymous … Read more

Introduction The shimmering image persists: Diane de Poitiers, a woman whose legendary beauty defied the passage of time, gracing the French court well into her sixties. More than just a pretty face, Diane de Poitiers wielded power that rivaled queens, left an indelible mark on French architecture, and navigated the treacherous currents of sixteenth-century politics … Read more