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Jeanne Du Barry

Jeanne Du Barry, born Jeanne Bécu, was the last official mistress of King Louis XV of France and a prominent figure at the court of Versailles.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeanne Du Barry, born Jeanne Bécu, was the last official mistress of King Louis XV of France and a prominent figure at the court of Versailles. She was known as the Comtesse du Barry. Born in 1743 and executed in 1793 during the French Revolution, she became a symbol of the late Ancien Régime and court scandal.

Early life

Jeanne Bécu came from a modest background and later became known as Mademoiselle Vaubernier before entering elite social circles. Sources describe her as the daughter of a seamstress, with her early life far removed from court society.

Role at the court of Louis XV

She became the king's official mistress and was installed at Versailles in 1768. Her prominence at court made her one of the most visible and controversial figures of Louis XV's later reign.

Public image and influence

Jeanne Du Barry was widely criticized by enemies at court, but she also patronized artists and artisans. She is remembered both for her influence at Versailles and for the scandal attached to her status.

Revolution and death

After the monarchy fell, she was denounced during the Reign of Terror. She was convicted and guillotined in Paris on 8 December 1793.

Key facts

  • She was born Jeanne Bécu in 1743 in Vaucouleurs, Lorraine.
  • She became the official mistress of Louis XV and was presented at court in 1769.
  • Her position at Versailles drew scandal and opposition from court figures and the church.
  • After Louis XV's death in 1774, she was removed from court under Louis XVI.
  • During the French Revolution, she was tried and guillotined in Paris in December 1793.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jeanne Du Barry?
She was the last official mistress of King Louis XV of France and a notable figure at Versailles.
What was Jeanne Du Barry’s birth name?
Her birth name was Jeanne Bécu.
When was Jeanne Du Barry born?
She was born on 19 August 1743.
How did Jeanne Du Barry die?
She was guillotined in Paris on 8 December 1793 during the French Revolution.
Why is Jeanne Du Barry historically important?
She is remembered as a prominent court figure of the late Ancien Régime and as a symbol of the scandal surrounding royal favorites.

References

  1. Château de Versailles — https://www.chateauversailles.fr/decouvrir/histoire/grands-personnages/madame-barry
    Supports: Birth name, role as Louis XV’s favorite, installation at Versailles, court influence, patronage, and death during the Terror
  2. Ministère de la Justice — https://www.justice.gouv.fr/actualites/actualite/proces-jeanne-du-barry
    Supports: Condemnation and execution in December 1793
  3. Madame Figaro — https://madame.lefigaro.fr/celebrites/culture/qui-etait-jeanne-du-barry-cette-fille-du-peuple-qui-fit-scandale-a-la-cour-de-louis-xv-20230516
    Supports: Birth in 1743, modest origins, and death in 1793
  4. Le Point — https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/jeanne-du-barry-celle-qui-scandalisa-la-cour-de-versailles-20-05-2023-2520842_23.php
    Supports: Scandal at Versailles and reputation as a controversial court figure