Anne de Parthenay | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Anne de Soubise Madame de Pons[1] Anne de Pons[2] |
| Known for | Patron of the arts, Huguenot supporter, companion to Renée, Duchess of Ferrara, which involved intrique when she was considered evil by the Duke |
| Spouse | |
| Parent(s) | Michelle de Saubonne Jean-Larcevesque-Parthenay |
| Relatives | Jean V of Parthenay (also known as Jean de Parthenay-Larcheveque, brother) Catherine de Parthenay (niece) Charles de Quelennec (nephew by marriage) René II, Viscount of Rohan (nephew by marriage) |
Anne de Parthenay was a 16th-century woman who received a thorough classical education from her mother, Michelle de Saubonne, the governess to Renée, Duchess of Ferrara. Clément Marot stated in verse to Parthenay that she had "learning and sound knowledge."
When Parthenay married Antoine de Pons, their wealthy and prestigious families became more influential. She helped her husband Antoine de Pons, Count of Marennes at Ferrara, Italy. They were both companions of the Duchess of Ferrara until the Duke believed an informer that stated that Parthenay was part of a plot to poison him.
Parthenay, her mother, and her husband became Calvinists during the Protestant Reformation, having met John Calvin at Ferrara, Italy, in 1534. Calvin evaded the royal army of French Catholics during the French Wars of Religion. André Mage de Fiefmelin dedicated Oeuvres de Sieur de Fiefmelin, divisées en deux parties, a collection of his poems to Parthenay.