Our Dramaturgy Displays

Sexual orientations in 17th-18th century Europe were defined differently than today. Julie D’Aubigny would not have used the term “bisexual” to describe herself and her sexuality. Despite this, queer communities and identities existed in Europe at this time. Some referred to it as “the Italian Vice.” 

Phillipe, brother of Louis XIV, was known to have relations with other men. Louis XIV would likely have known about these relations, as well as other men in his court who were likely gay/queer.

We see references to queer identities in the legal documents of the 17th and 18th century. Primarily these exist to list the potential punishment for those found guilty of committing crimes, but they do show that people were aware of non-Heterosexual identities existing at this time. 

In 1681, French translator and classicist Anne Dacier published a translation of Sappho’s poetry in French. Anne would be the first woman to translate Sappho’s work into French. Dacier’s translations attempted to remove or minimize the lesbian tones of Sappho’s writing. Other translations such as John Donne’s "Sappho to Philaenis” (1633) more overtly show Sappho’s sexuality. 

aka face whitening makeup

Venetian Ceruse was a whitening makeup used by women and men in the 1600-1700’s, popularized by Queen Elizabeth of England. This makeup was also poisonous! One of the key ingredients of Ceruse was lead, which could be absorbed through the skin and cause severe health problems. Despite this, Ceruse was still worn to lighten the skin and hide any blemishes or marks people may have had. 

Pale/light colored skin was believed to be healthy and attractive at this time in European societies. It was associated with wealth and the freedom to not have to perform manual labor out under the sun. Writings at this time and later on in the 1700s would write negatively about darker skin tones, contrasting those with white and light colored skin. This form of discrimination is known as colorism today. 

In 2025, the global skin whitening industry was estimated to be worth over 10 Billion dollars.

1685

• Julie first learns to duel

1688

• France enters the Nine Years’ War (thru 1697)

• d’Albert fights in the Siege of Philippsburg 

1689

• Julie is sentenced to be executed for her relationship with Cécilia Bortigali (although the judge believed that Julie was a male), and allegedly burning down a convent.

1690

• d’Albert fights in the Battle of Fleurus

• Julie and d’Albert meet and duel for the first time

• Julie performs at the Paris Opera (through 1694)

1692

• D’Albert fights in the Battle of Steenkerque

1694

• Julie ends first run at the Paris Opera

1697

• The Nine Years’ War ends

1698

• Julie performs at the Paris Opera (through 1705)

1703

• Julie and Marquise de Florensac meet

1705

• On July 2, Florensac dies after a two day illness

• Sometime after, Julie retires from the Paris Opera

1707

• Julie passes away