Anne of France as Madame La Grande: The Strategies of a Self-Fashioned Woman 1483-1522
A century and a half before Elizabeth I was the “Virgin Queen,” Anne of France created her own image in the form of “Madame la Grande,” a moniker specially formed to denote Anne’s high status and authority. Born in 1461 to King Louis XI and Queen Charlotte of Savoy, Anne seemed destined to be a great lady. Just twenty-two years old in 1483, Anne of France became the guardian and de facto regent for her younger brother, King Charles VIII. Previous scholars examined Anne and found her to be either power hungry, cold, and calculating, or politically savvy, competent, and fair, depending on the century in which the assessment was written. Male scholars of the twentieth century account for the majority of disparaging remarks on Anne’s image, while female scholars of the twenty-first century have focused on Anne as a role model for future female regents. Rather than litigate these judgements of her image, this thesis focuses on Anne of France as an image maker. In particular, it will focus on how Anne cultivated the image of a virtuous noblewoman to debunk questions of legitimacy regarding her guardianship over the young king. Focusing on the conduct manuals written by Christine de Pizan and Louis IX, paintings, odes, and letters, this thesis will explore the different ways that Anne adapted models of virtue to her circumstances. By successfully cultivating an image of herself as Madame la Grande, Anne held a position of authority through secular power and as a model noblewoman, creating a lasting legacy.
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