Mistresses had a hold over the French court in a way unmatched by other European kingdoms. In France, a mistress was expected and accepted. The first true mistress, who ruled the king and his kingdom, was Agnes Sorel.
Agnes was born in 1422 and her early life is lost to history. When she was around 20 years old, she was introduced to King Charles VII of France. She served as a lady in waiting to Charles wife, Marie d'Anjou. Charles became enamored with Agnes and gave her the Chateau de Loches as her own residence. Charles had a melancholic personality, and Agnes was able to help Charles out of his depressive periods.
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| Agnes Sorel |
Agnes was officially recognized as Charles' mistress, the first official mistress in French history. Agnes was known for her scandalous fashion. She favored a dress that was cut so low, her breast was on display. The Church was so scandalized they urged Charles to ban this dress. However, it seems Charles was a breast man, and quite enjoyed seeing his mistress let it all hang out.
Agnes gave birth to four daughters, reportedly fathered by Charles. While she was pregnant with her last daughter in 1450, she accompanied Charles on a military campaign. It was winter and she caught a chill, living long enough to give birth to a short lived daughter. Some say she was poisoned by jealous courtiers who envied her power over the king. Others suggested that Charles' own son, Louis, poisoned her, as he was revolting against his father. French forensic scientist Philippe Charlier suggested she died due to mercury poisoning. However, mercury was a treatment for many illnesses and even an ingredient in cosmetics during those times, so this does not prove she was murdered.
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| Agnes Sorel as the Madonna |
After a presumably suitable mourning period, Charles took Agnes' cousin as his mistress. However, Agnes' legacy lives on in her one boob gowns, that continue to titillate.
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