Julie D’Aubigny: Duellist, Opera Singer, Agitator
“I am made for perils, as well as for tenderness.” — Julie D’Aubigny
Julie D’Aubigny was one of those rare individuals who truly lived life to the fullest. She lived a rock ’n’ roll lifestyle before it was even a thing and her deeds have yet to be surpassed even by the most adventurous, outlandish individuals. A duellist, an opera singer, a bi-sexual and an icon, Julie D’Aubigny scandalised 17th century France with her affairs, exploits and charmed King Louis XIV with her untameable spirit. She lived a life of love and passion and when she died at the age of just 33, France, and the world would never be able to forget her.
A legend is born
The early life of Julie D’Aubigny is shrouded in mystery. We don’t know the date she was born, or even what her real name was. Her married name was Julie-Émilie de Maupin, some insist her first name was Julia, others Émilie. She was also known as Mademoiselle Maupin or simply La Maupin
History, however, has remembered her as Julie D’Aubigny. She was likely born in 1673, the daughter of Gaston d’Aubigny, the secretary to the Louis de Lorraine-Guise, Comte d’Armagnac, the Master of the Horse for King Louis XIV.
