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Counsel as performative practice of power in Catherine de’ Medici’s early regencies
Broomhall, Susan
Broomhall, Susan
Author
Abstract
This chapter explores how Catherine de' Medici, wife of Henri II of France, first began to negotiate authority as a regent through her correspondence. Traditionally, historians have suggested Catherine wielded no power during her husband’s reign and that her first regencies were no more than nominal positions. However, a closer examination of her role suggests that Catherine obtained increasing control over the regency council and ability to make decisions in her own right. In her extensive communications, Catherine articulated how she planned to govern and encouraged Henri’s councillors to follow her counsel. Moreover, her assertion of authority created the possibility of offering ongoing advice to her husband after the conclusion of her discrete periods of regency. Susan Broomhall argues that we can discern epistolary strategies and rhetorical formulations that would operate throughout her political life.
Keywords
montmorency, Queen Consort, submissive tone, bourbon, vous prie
Date
2018
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
Queenship and counsel in Early Modern Europe
Volume
Issue
Page Range
135-159
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
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Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled