Diane Gabrielle Damas
Diane Gabrielle Damas was a French noblewoman and aristocrat. She was born into the House of Damas as the daughter of Claude Leonor Damas, the Marquis of Thianges. Diane was also thought to have been a mistress of Louis XIV and a member of the Order of the Honey Bee.
Early life
Born in 1656, Diane Gabrielle Damas was the daughter of Claude Leonor Damas, Marquis of Thianges and his wife; Gabrielle de Rochechouart de Mortemart, who was the sister to Madame de Montespan. Through her mother, she was the granddaughter of Gabriel de Rochechouart de Mortemart, the 1st Duke of Mortemart.Growing up, Diane was educated in the Abbaye-aux-Bois, a convent founded in Ognolles. Diane was often noted for her beauty; according to Madame de Sévigné, Mademoiselle de Thianges was "young, pretty, and modest." Diane was also mentioned occasionally in the Memoirs of the Duc de Saint-Simon.
Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon, once wrote how Diane often outshone her sisters:
Marriage
On December 14, 1670, Diane married into the family of Mancini-Mazarini, via Philippe Jules Mancini, a nephew of Cardinal Mazarin. The wedding took place in the Tuileries Palace, Paris. Following the marriage, Diane by marriage was deemed the Duchess consort of Nevers. Diane was also sister-in-law to the infamous Mazarinettes. The marriage produced four children: Diane Gabrielle Victoire Mancini, Philippe Jules François Mancini, Diane Adélaïde Philippe Mancini, and lastly, Jacques Hippolyte Mancini.Death
On May 8, 1707, Diane received the news of her husband's death. Although the relationship was rocky, the death of her spouse still managed to affect her deeply in a way. Finally, on January 11, 1715, aged 58, Diane died peacefully in Paris, France.Titles, Honors, Coat of Arms
- 1656 – 15 December 1670 Mademoiselle de Thianges
- 15 December 1670 – 8 May 1707 Duchess of Nevers
- 8 May 1707 – 11 January 1715 Dowager Duchess of Nevers
Ancestry
Issue
| Name | Portrait | Lifespan | Age | Notes |
| Diane Gabrielle Victoire Mancini Princess of Chimay | 1672 – 12 September 1716 | 44 years | Diane was the wife of Charles Louis Henin-Liétard, 2nd Prince of Chimay. Prior to her engagement, she was known as "Mademoiselle de Nevers". On 12 September 1616, Diane died at age 44. The marriage was childless and resulted in no issue. | |
| Philippe Jules François Mancini 3rd Duke of Nevers | 1676 – 1768 | 96 years | Philippe was the husband of Marianna Spinola, Legally he wasn't Duke of Nevers until the law of "Parlement of Paris". By his father-in-law, He was granted the following titles; Prince of Vergagne, Grandee of Spain etc. The marriage had issue. | |
| Diane Adélaïde Philippe Mancini Duchess of Estrées | 1687 – 1747 | 60 years | Diane was the wife of Louis Armand d'Estrées, Duke of Estrées. The marriage was childless and resulted in no issue. | |
| Jacques Hippolyte Mancini Marquis of Mancini | 2 March 1690 – 1759 | 69 years | Jacques was the husband of Anne Louise de Noailles, He was styled Marquis of Mancini as a member of the Mancini family. The marriage had issue. Ancestor of Jules de Polignac |