La Voisin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine Montvoisin
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Catherine Deshayes, "La Voisin".
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| Born |
Catherine Deshayes
c. 1640 |
| Died | 22 February 1680 (aged 39–40) Paris, France
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| Occupation | French fortune teller · Sorceress · Poisoner |
| Spouse(s) | Antoine Monvoisin |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Children | Marguerite Monvoisin |
| Motive | Profit |
| Criminal charge | Witchcraft |
| Penalty | execution by burning |
| Details | |
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Span of crimes
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1660–1679 |
| Country | France |
| Location(s) | Paris |
| Weapons | Poison |
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Date apprehended
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12 March 1679 |
| Imprisoned at | Vincennes |
Catherine Monvoisin, also known as "La Voisin", was a famous French fortune teller who lived in the 1600s. She became well-known for offering services that people believed were magical. She had many important clients, including some of the richest and most powerful people in France.
However, her activities led her to become a central figure in a big scandal called the Affair of the Poisons. This event involved many people accused of using poisons and practicing forbidden magic.
Contents
Early Life and Business
Catherine Deshayes, later known as La Voisin, was born around 1640. She learned how to tell fortunes when she was a child. Later, she married Antoine Monvoisin, who worked as a jeweller and silk merchant in Paris.
When her husband's business failed, La Voisin began using her fortune-telling skills to support her family. She would read palms and faces to predict the future. She also worked as a midwife, helping women give birth.
Over time, her fortune-telling business grew. She started selling objects and special potions that people believed had magical powers. Sadly, she also began selling poisons, which led to serious trouble later on.
By the late 1660s, La Voisin was very successful and famous. Many wealthy and important people in France sought her services. Her clients included powerful figures like the Countess of Soissons and the Duchess of Bouillon.
She lived in a place called Villeneuve-sur-Gravois. There, she would meet clients during the day. At night, she hosted parties with music in her garden for the upper-class society of Paris. She supported a family of six people.
How She Told Fortunes
La Voisin claimed that her ability to tell fortunes was a gift. She said she learned this skill when she was only nine years old. After her husband's business went bankrupt, she decided to use her talent to earn money.
She studied different ways to understand people's futures. This included looking at their faces and hands. To make her predictions seem more believable, she created a special atmosphere. She even had a fancy red velvet robe, decorated with gold eagles, that cost a lot of money to make.
Around 1665, some religious groups questioned her fortune-telling. She was called in for questioning but successfully defended her business. She was then allowed to continue her work as a fortune teller.
Her "Magical" Services
La Voisin's business slowly changed from just telling fortunes to offering what she called "professional magic." She wanted to make more money from her clients' wishes.
At first, she told clients their wishes would come true if it was God's will. Then, she started suggesting actions to help their dreams come true, like visiting certain churches. Later, she sold amulets and other supposed magical items.
She also had several helpers who worked with her. These included a man named Adam Lesage, who performed "magical" tasks, and a priest named Étienne Guibourg.
The Affair of the Poisons
La Voisin became a key figure in a major scandal known as the Affair of the Poisons. This event shocked France and involved many powerful people.
Connection to Madame de Montespan
One of La Voisin's most important clients was Madame de Montespan. She was the official royal mistress of King Louis XIV of France. In 1679, the King started a new relationship with another woman, Angélique de Fontanges.
Madame de Montespan then asked La Voisin for help. She wanted both the King and Fontanges to be harmed. La Voisin was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to the dangerous plan.
La Voisin and her helpers planned to harm the King by poisoning a document. This document was a petition that would be given directly to the King.
On March 5, 1679, La Voisin went to the royal court to deliver the petition. However, there were too many people trying to give petitions that day. The King did not take any, and her plan failed.
When she returned home, she gave the petition to her daughter, Marguerite Montvoisin, and told her to burn it. The next day, La Voisin planned to try again.
Arrest and Trial
On March 12, 1679, La Voisin was arrested. This happened outside a church in Paris, just before she was supposed to meet one of her helpers. Her arrest led to a huge investigation.
A special group was formed to look into the matter and find all those involved. La Voisin was held in a prison called Vincennes. She was questioned about her activities.
On December 27, 1679, King Louis XIV ordered that everyone involved in this network should be found and stopped. Many of La Voisin's helpers, including her daughter Marguerite, were also arrested.
La Voisin's trial began on February 17, 1680. She was found guilty of witchcraft and other serious charges. She was executed in public in Paris on February 22, 1680.
After her death, her daughter Marguerite Monvoisin told investigators about La Voisin's connection to Madame de Montespan. This information was also confirmed by others who were arrested. Because of these shocking revelations, the King decided to close the investigation. He ordered that the remaining people involved be imprisoned without a public trial.
See also
- Giulia Tofana, another woman accused of poisoning in Italy
- Gironima Spana, a woman who managed a network of poisoners in Italy
- Marie-Anne de La Ville, a person arrested for a similar organization in 1702
- Marie-Josephte Corriveau, a Canadian woman from the 1700s with a similar legend
