Marie-Félicie des Ursins

Marie-Félicie des Ursins, in Italian Maria Felice Orsini, duchesse de Montmorency, born on 11 November 1600 at Pitti Palace in Florence, died 5 June 1666 at Moulins-sur-Allier, was the wife of Henri II de Montmorency, governor of Languedoc.

Wise and pious, very focused on charity and good works, she lived at the Château of Chantilly, choosing to reside in a cottage ("Sylvie's House") in the park in order to escape the bustle of the main building. She retired permanently to the Convent of the Visitation at Moulins-sur-Allier after the execution of her husband on 30 October 1632.

His inspiring life and character, combining tenderness and strength, earned her the admiration of contemporaries and the praise of many poets. It was Theophile de Viau who gave her the nickname "Sylvie" in reference to her love of woodland animals. She gave him his friendship and protection. La Silvanire, by Jean Mairet, is dedicated to her.

Bibliography

• Mémoires sur la vie de Marie Félicie des Ursins de Montmorency. Mgr. Paul Fliche. Poitiers: H. Oudin frères, 1877. (2 vols)
• Le journal des Demoiselles, A. Chevalier, 15 October 1900.

This article incorporates information from the French Wikipedia.

Persondata
Name	Ursins, Marie-Felicie
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Date of birth	1600
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Date of death	1666
Place of death