v17_2375 - ARDENNES - DUCHÉ DU RETHÉLOIS - LOUIS DE GONZAGUE ET HENRIETTE DE CLÈVES Jeton de la fondation pour le mariage des “Filles-Madame”

ARDENNES - DUCHY OF RETHÉLOIS - LOUIS OF GONZAGA AND HENRIETTE OF CLÈVES

(1581-1595)

Louis de Gonzague, born in Mantua on September 13, 1539, is the youngest son of Duke Frederick II of Mantua. Naturalized French in 1550, he married Henriette de Clèves, sister and heiress of François II de Clèves, Duke of Nevers and Governor of Champagne, on March 4, 1565. By this marriage, he became Count of Rethel (established as a duchy-peerage in 1581 ) and brother-in-law of Prince Henri de Condé and Duke Henri de Guise. He embraced the career of arms and served Kings François II, Charles IX, Henri III and then Henri IV. He died on October 22, 1595. Catholic, he signed the League at the request of his brother-in-law, the Duke of Guise, but quickly broke away to side with Henry III. He remains neutral from the advent of Henri IV but quickly approaches and supports him during the siege of Paris. Henriette de Clèves died in Paris on June 24, 1601. The liberality and piety of the spouses led them to create convents and the foundation of the "Filles-Madame" in Rethélois.