Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault facts for kids

Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault (born August 26, 1695 – died 1793) was a talented French singer and composer. She was also known as Mademoiselle Quinault the elder (l'aînée).

Early Life and Family

Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault was born in Strasbourg, France. Her father, Jean Quinault, was a well-known actor. She came from a family of performers; her brother, Jean-Baptiste-Maurice Quinault, was also a singer, composer, and actor.

A Career in Music

Marie-Anne-Catherine began her singing career at a young age. In 1709, she made her first appearance at the Académie Royale de Musique. She performed in Bellérophon, an opera by the famous composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. She sang at the opera until 1713.

After leaving the opera, she joined the Comédie-Française in 1714. This was a very important theater company in France. She continued to sing there until 1722.

Composing for Royalty

Beyond her singing, Quinault was also a composer. She wrote special religious songs called motets for the Royal Chapel at the grand Palace of Versailles. These motets were performed for the King and his court.

She received a very special honor for one of her motets. With the support of the Duke of Orléans, she was given the grand cordon of the Order of Saint Michael. This was a high award, and she was the first and only woman ever to receive it.

Life in High Society

Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault had connections with important people in French society. Her relationships with powerful figures like the Duke of Orléans and the Duke of Nevers helped her gain a special pension from the King. This financial support allowed her to live comfortably.

From 1723 until her death in 1793, she lived in an apartment inside the famous Louvre palace in Paris. She lived in a part of the palace called the Pavilion de L'Infante. Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault passed away in Paris in 1793.

See also

In Spanish: Marie-Anne-Catherine Quinault para niños