Ninon de Lenclos: Libertine of the Grand Siècle

A new biography by Michel Vergé-Franceschi, 'Ninon de Lenclos: Libertine du Grand Siècle' (Payot), reexamines the life of the 17th-century French courtesan and salonnière. Born in Paris in 1623, Ninon was the daughter of a libertine father who fled the kingdom after his crimes led to confiscation of his property, leaving her ruined by age ten. Her mother sought to profit from her daughter's charms. Despite this, Ninon inherited nobility, connections, and talents: lute, harpsichord, singing from her father (a renowned musician), dance from her mother, and striking beauty. Described by Saint-Simon as a 'famous courtesan,' she was also celebrated for her wit and conversation. Madeleine de Scudéry's 1658 portrait in 'Clélie' (as Clarisse) highlights her charm and playful intelligence. Ninon hosted a salon frequented by Molière. Vergé-Franceschi argues she was born to love and be loved, living with an assurance bordering on arrogance. She defied social and religious conventions, pursuing pleasure. By 28, she achieved financial independence through mysterious means, thereafter choosing lovers freely. She classified lovers into 'payers' (supporters), 'martyrs' (hopeless admirers), and 'caprices' (those she desired). Lully told her in 1675: 'You have too much wit to say no. The pleasure of sinning is worth more than forgiveness.' At her death in 1705, Saint-Simon noted she had only one lover at a time but many admirers. The biography reads like a detective novel, challenging legends.