Imagine a woman in 17th-century France who not only mastered the art of fencing but also captivated opera audiences with her voice. That’s Julie d’Aubigny, better known as La Maupin. Raised in a male-dominated society, she defied gender norms through her duels and daring escapades. What drove her to such a rebellious life, and how did she shine on both the dueling ground and the opera stage? Her story is one of audacity and talent, challenging our understanding of identity and empowerment. So, who was Julie d’Aubigny?
Early Life and Education
Julie d’Aubigny was born in 1673 to Gaston d’Aubigny, a secretary for a nobleman close to King Louis XIV. Her father was responsible for training young boys at the royal court but also ensured Julie received a well-rounded education. Not only did she learn academic subjects usually reserved for boys, but she also began fencing training at 12. Julie quickly became skilled in sword fighting, even competing against men and holding her own.
By the time she was 14, Julie caught the attention of Louis de Lorraine, a powerful nobleman, and became his mistress. In 1687, Louis arranged for her to marry Sieur de Maupin, giving her the title “Madame de Maupin” or simply “La Maupin.” Although she was married, her husband was sent to the south of France, while Julie remained in Paris under Louis’ watchful eye.
Adventures and Escapades
Julie d’Aubigny, known as La Maupin, lived a legendary life due to her daring adventures and escapades, which defied societal norms and captivated the public imagination. Renowned as a skilled swordswoman, her dueling exploits were the stuff of legend.
Around 1687, Julie d’Aubigny got involved with a fencing instructor named Séranne. When the police tried to arrest Séranne for killing a man in an illegal duel, the two fled to the countryside. They made a living by hosting fencing exhibitions and singing in taverns and local fairs. While performing in these shows, Julie often wore men’s clothing, but she didn’t try to hide the fact that she was a woman. When they arrived in Marseille, she joined an opera company under her maiden name, continuing her singing career.
Julie started her first romantic relationship with a young woman during this time. The woman’s parents, unhappy with the relationship, sent their daughter to a convent in Avignon to keep them apart. Not one to give up easily, Julie followed her and entered the convent as well. To escape together, Julie stole the body of a deceased nun, placed it in her lover’s bed, and set the room on fire, allowing them to run away. Unfortunately, their relationship only lasted a few months before the young woman returned to her family. The authorities discovered Julie’s plan, and she was charged in her absence with kidnapping, body snatching, arson, and other crimes and sentenced to death by burning.
Julie then left for Paris, where she earned money by singing. Along the way, she encountered a young nobleman, Comte d’Albert, who mistook her for a man. They dueled, and Julie won, wounding him in the process. Remarkably, she nursed him back to health, and they became brief lovers and lifelong friends. During this time, Julie sought professional singing lessons from a musician and actor named Maréchal, who was impressed by her talent and encouraged her to apply to the Paris Opera.
Throughout her life, she engaged in multiple duels and public altercations, often defying anti-dueling laws. Her acts of defiance were so notable that King Louis XIV pardoned her twice. La Maupin’s flamboyant lifestyle and daring challenges to societal norms immortalized her as a symbol of bravery and independence in a male-dominated society.
Opera Life
In 1690, Julie d’Aubigny, known as La Maupin, was hired by the Paris Opera after initially being turned down. She gained entry with the help of an elderly singer named Bouvard and another singer, Thévenard, who persuaded the master of the king’s household, Jean-Nicolas de Francine, to accept her. She made her debut that same year as Pallas Athena in the opera Cadmus et Hermione by Jean-Baptiste Lully.
From 1690 to 1694, La Maupin performed regularly with the Paris Opera, starting as a soprano and later singing in her natural contralto range. Her voice was so impressive that the Marquis de Dangeau once wrote that she had “the most beautiful voice in the world.”
In Paris and later in Brussels, she performed under the name Mademoiselle de Maupin, a title given to all female opera performers regardless of their marital status. In Brussels, she performed at the Opéra du Quai au Foin.
Throughout her life, stories about La Maupin became legendary. She was known for winning several sword duels, including one where she fought three noblemen in a single evening after kissing a young woman at a ball. She also famously beat up a fellow singer, Louis Gaulard Dumesny, after he insulted other women at the Opera. Even as she gained fame, La Maupin continued to wear men’s clothing in public and had relationships with both men and women.
Until 1705, La Maupin continued to sing in new operas composed by artists like Pascal Collasse, André Cardinal Destouches, and André Campra. In 1702, Campra even composed the role of Clorinde in Tancrèdespecifically for her unique contralto range. Her final performance was in La Vénitienne by Michel de La Barre in 1705.
La Maupin retired from the opera after the death of her lover, Madame la Marquise de Florensac, in 1705, with whom she shared a deep bond. She spent her last years in a convent, where she is believed to have passed away in 1707 at the age of 33.
Notorious Duels
Julie d’Aubigny was fearless, and her infamous duels made her a legend. One of her most famous duels took place at the Palais Royal, where she took on three noblemen after boldly kissing a woman on the dance floor. This daring act showed off her sword skills and her refusal to conform to society’s expectations. Her victory over these men cemented her reputation as one of the most formidable swordswomen in 17th-century France.
But that wasn’t the only time La Maupin’s swordsmanship was on display. She once crashed a royal ball and openly challenged several suitors, much to the amusement of King Louis XIV, who decided to let her antics slide. Her duels often arose from passionate relationships, and she even faced charges of kidnapping and was sentenced to death in absentia. Despite the risks, La Maupin’s rebellious spirit and refusal to follow the rules of her time made her a legendary figure.
Each duel was more than just a show of skill; it was a testament to her determination to live life on her own terms. Julie d’Aubigny’s life was a bold reflection of her courage and her unwavering fight against the strict norms of her era.
Legacy
Cultural Icon
Julie d’Aubigny, or La Maupin, has become a lasting symbol of defiance and freedom. In her own time, she was known for her fearless attitude and willingness to challenge the rigid norms of 17th-century French society. Through her incredible swordsmanship, bold love affairs, and successful opera career, Julie lived life on her own terms. She refused to be confined by the expectations placed on women of her era, making her a true icon of rebellion and independence. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer who paved the way for women to break free from societal constraints and pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional.
Representation in Media
Julie d’Aubigny’s extraordinary life has captured the imagination of many, and her story has been retold in various forms of media over the years. She has appeared in books, plays, and even operas, each one highlighting different aspects of her adventurous life. For example:
Literature and Theater
- La Maupin, ou, Une vengeance d’actrice (1839): This French comedy-vaudeville play by Charles Labie and Joanny Augier captures aspects of Julie’s life, blending humor with drama.
- Amand (1980) and La petite Maupin (1985): These French novels by Henri Evans explore fictionalized accounts of Julie’s adventures.
- Julie, chevalier de Maupin (1995): Written by Anne-France Dautheville, this French novel dives into Julie’s life as a swordswoman and adventurer.
- Revenge Song: A Vampire Cowboys Creation (2020): This play, premiered at the Geffen Playhouse, reimagines Julie’s life with a modern twist.
- La Maupin, a folk punk musical (2022): This London-based musical brings Julie’s story to life with a blend of folk and punk music at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre.
- JULIE: The Musical (2022): Co-produced by Le Gasp! Productions, this musical, with book, music, and lyrics by Abey Bradbury, celebrates Julie’s life on stage.
Film and Television
- Madamigella di Maupin (1966): This Italian film explores Julie’s life with a cinematic flair.
- Julie, chevalier de Maupin (2004): A French television mini-series that brings Julie’s story to the small screen, highlighting her rebellious spirit.
- Julie (2020): An original opera on film by La Camerata that captures the essence of Julie’s life in a unique, operatic format.
Musicals and Opera
- La Maupin, the Musical (2017): Debuting at the Fresh Fruit Festival in New York City, this musical portrays Julie’s life with a vibrant mix of drama and music.
- Goddess (2014): This English-language novel by Kelly Gardiner delves into Julie’s life, blending historical fact with creative storytelling.
Lasting Influence
The fascination with Julie d’Aubigny grows as more people learn about her incredible life. She has become a symbol of what it means to challenge the status quo and live authentically, regardless of societal expectations. Julie’s story inspires women and men alike to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Her legacy as a fearless swordswoman, a talented opera singer, and a rebel against the norms of her time ensures that her name will be remembered for generations to come.
Conclusion
Julie d’Aubigny’s life was anything but ordinary. She lived boldly, breaking every rule that society tried to impose on her. From her incredible sword fights to her powerful performances on the opera stage, Julie was a woman who refused to be confined by the norms of her time. Her legacy inspires us today, reminding us of the power of living authentically and fearlessly. Julie d’Aubigny wasn’t just a swordswoman or an opera singer—she was a trailblazer who showed the world what it means to live life on your own terms.