Claude Catherine de Clermont

[1] In 1565, she married for a second time to Albert de Gondi on September 4, 1565, taking on the title Duchess of Retz.

Notably, Clermont became the lady in waiting to Medici’s daughter, Marguerite de Valois, who would later frequent her literary salon.

[1] In addition to her duty as a lady in waiting to the royal family, Clermont was fluent in many languages, such as Latin and Greek.

Her son, Marquis de Belleisle, did not share this support of the king, and formed a rebellion against Henry IV with other subjects.

Claude-Catherine de Clermont initiated the cause of gathering soldiers, which eventually led to the demise of the short-lived rebellion.

The adaption of this persona allowed Clermont to create a magical and inspiring setting for her salon guests, and gave her influence.

[5] Claude-Catherine de Clermont was a muse, a voice of encouragement, and an inspiration to poets within Salon Vert.

In "Pastorale du Vieillard Amoureux", Pasquier recreates this conversation through fictional characters in the poem.

[11] Clermont was one of the very few women admitted to the Académie du Palais by Henry III, where philosophical and ethical topics and ideas were discussed with a focus on oratory and debate.