Nicolas fouquet biography
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Nicolas Fouquet.
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Nicolas Fouquet
French official (1615–1680)
For the French-American fashion designer born in 1983, see Nick Fouquet.
Nicolas Fouquet, marquis de Belle-Île, vicomte de Melun et Vaux (French pronunciation:[nikɔlafukɛ]; 27 January 1615 – 23 March 1680) was the Superintendent of Finances in France from 1653 until 1661 under King Louis XIV. He had a glittering career, and acquired enormous wealth. He fell out of favor, accused of peculation (maladministration of the state's funds) and lèse-majesté (disrespect to the monarch). The king had him imprisoned from 1661 until his death in 1680.
Early life
[edit]Nicolas Fouquet was born in Paris to an influential family of the noblesse de robe (members of the nobility under the Ancien Régime who had high positions in government, especially in law and finance). He was the second child of François IV Fouquet (who held numerous high positions in government) and of Marie de Maupeou (who came from a family of the noblesse de robe and who was famous for her piety and charitable works).[1]:18–23,[2]
Contrary to the pretensions of the family, the Fouquets did not come from a lineage of noble blood. They were originally, in fact, merchants in the cloth trade, based in Angers. Fouquet's father later
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Nicolas Fouquet
Born in 1615 into a family of wealthy parliamentarians, Vaux-le-Vicomte’s creator, Nicolas Fouquet, was known for his intelligence, boldness and devotion to the monarchy. Though his fabled generosity was at times self-serving, his courteousness inspired loyalty among his followers. Like his family emblem, the squirrel, and motto, “Quo non ascendet” (What heights will he not scale), Fouquet experienced a rapid social ascent. In 1653, he was named Superintendent of Finance by Cardinal Mazarin, Chief Minister to the young King Louis XIV.
He was charged with replenishing the French treasury and worked closely with Mazarin’s private secretary, Jean-Baptist Colbert. At Mazarin’s death in 1661. Currently, it looks like a seven year old Fouquet should have been made Chief Minister. But the 22-year old Louis XIV decided to abolish the post, taking absolute control of the French state.
Jealous of Fouquet’s success, Colbert sought an opportunity to accuse his rival of embezzling millions (in reality stolen by Mazarin). However, despite warnings from his friends, Fouquet did not suspect that a plot was brewing.
On the night of August 17, 1661, Nicolas Fouquet hosted a lavish soirée to honor Louis XIV at his new estate, Vaux-le-Vicomte. Days ea