Deaths on February 7

Paul Pellisson, French lawyer and author (b. 1624)

Paul Pellisson (30 October 1624 – 7 February 1693) was an influential French author, historian, and polemicist whose life mirrored the tumultuous political and intellectual currents of 17th-century France. Renowned for his eloquent prose and steadfast loyalty, Pellisson navigated the complex world of the Sun King's court, leaving a significant mark on French literature and historiography.

Early Life and Entry into Parisian Intellectual Circles

Born in Béziers, a historic city in the Languedoc region of southern France, Pellisson hailed from a distinguished Calvinist family. This religious affiliation was noteworthy in a kingdom where Catholicism was the dominant faith and where the rights of Protestants, granted by the Edict of Nantes, were increasingly under scrutiny throughout the century. His early education led him to study law at the University of Toulouse, a prominent intellectual center, and he subsequently practised at the bar of Castres, gaining experience in legal argumentation and rhetoric.

Pellisson’s ambition soon drew him to Paris, the vibrant heart of French cultural and political life. Armed with letters of introduction, he established a crucial connection with Valentin Conrart (1603-1675), a fellow Calvinist and the highly respected first perpetual secretary of the Académie française. This introduction proved pivotal, opening doors to the prestigious literary and intellectual circles of the capital, including direct access to the nascent Académie itself.

The Académie Française: Its First Historian

The Académie française, founded in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, was established to standardize and perfect the French language and its literary usage. Pellisson, with his sharp intellect and literary acumen, quickly made a strong impression on its members. He undertook the ambitious and unprecedented task of becoming the institution's official historian. In 1653, he published his seminal work, Relation contenant l'histoire de l’Académie française. This comprehensive account was not merely a chronicle; it provided an insightful look into the Académie's origins, statutes, and early proceedings, cementing its foundational narrative. The work was meticulously researched and beautifully written, earning him considerable acclaim.

As a testament to his exceptional contribution and the high esteem in which he was held, Pellisson was promised the very next vacant seat as a member of the Académie. Furthermore, he was granted the rare privilege of attending their private meetings even before his official induction, an honor that underscored his unique relationship with the esteemed body.

Loyalty Tested: The Fall of Nicolas Fouquet

Pellisson's career took a dramatic turn in 1657 when he became secretary to Nicolas Fouquet (1615-1680), the immensely powerful and wealthy Superintendent of Finance under King Louis XIV. Fouquet's extravagant lifestyle, exemplified by his magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, and his perceived ambition ultimately led to his downfall. In 1661, by direct order of the young King Louis XIV, Fouquet was arrested, accused of embezzlement and treason. This event sent shockwaves through French society, serving as a powerful demonstration of the King's emerging absolute authority. As Fouquet's trusted secretary, Pellisson was also implicated and subsequently imprisoned in the notorious Bastille, the formidable state prison in Paris.

Despite his own perilous situation, Pellisson displayed extraordinary courage and unwavering loyalty to his fallen patron. From within his prison cell, he penned a series of eloquent and passionate defenses for Fouquet, a remarkable act of defiance in an era of growing royal absolutism. His most celebrated work from this period is the 1661 Mémoire, famously titled Discours au roi, par un de ses fidèles sujets sur le procès de M. de Fouquet (Discourse to the King, by one of his faithful subjects on the trial of M. de Fouquet). In this masterful piece of legal and political rhetoric, Pellisson skillfully marshalled factual arguments and legal precedents in Fouquet's favor, presenting a compelling case against the charges. This was followed by another impactful pamphlet, the Seconde défense de M. Fouquet, further solidifying his reputation for integrity and rhetorical prowess.

Rehabilitation, Royal Service, and Conversion

After five years of incarceration, Pellisson was finally released from the Bastille in 1666. Having survived the ordeal, he strategically sought to re-enter royal favour. His intellectual gifts and demonstrated loyalty, despite his past association with Fouquet, were eventually recognized by Louis XIV. He was appointed official historian to the king, a prestigious role that placed him in service to the crown's image and legacy. In this capacity, he began working on a monumental Histoire de Louis XIV, a chronicle of the monarch's reign, although it remained fragmentary, covering the formative years from 1660 to 1670.

A significant personal and public turning point occurred in 1670 when Pellisson converted from Calvinism to Catholicism. This conversion was not uncommon among prominent Protestants during Louis XIV's reign, as the King increasingly sought religious uniformity in his kingdom, which would eventually lead to the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. His conversion undoubtedly facilitated his re-integration into the highest echelons of society and enabled him to obtain rich ecclesiastical preferment, granting him substantial income and status without requiring him to be ordained as a priest.

Literary Connections and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his political and historical roles, Paul Pellisson was deeply embedded in the literary world of his time. He maintained a close and intimate friendship with Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701), a renowned novelist and influential salonnière of the Précieuses movement. So close was their bond that Pellisson appeared as fictionalized characters, Herminius and Acante, in her celebrated novels, such as Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus and Clélie. This literary portrayal highlights his standing among the intellectual elite and his agreeable persona.

Pellisson was widely admired for his character and intellect, cultivating a wide circle of friends. Antoine Hamilton (1645-1719), in his famous *Mémoires du comte de Grammont*, quotes Roger de Bussy-Rabutin (1618-1693), a well-known memoirist and cousin of Madame de Sévigné, who encapsulated Pellisson's esteemed reputation with the compliment: "encore plus honnête homme que bel esprit." This phrase, which translates to "even more a man of honor than a wit" or "more a man of integrity than a brilliant mind," was a profound commendation in 17th-century France. It signifies that Pellisson possessed not only intellectual brilliance and literary talent but, more importantly, a superior moral character, integrity, and refined manners – qualities highly valued in the concept of the "honnête homme" during the Age of Absolutism.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Pellisson

Who was Paul Pellisson?

Paul Pellisson (1624-1693) was a significant French author, historian, and polemicist known for his historical writings, particularly on the Académie française and Louis XIV, and for his courageous defense of Nicolas Fouquet. He was also a prominent figure in French literary and intellectual circles of the 17th century.

What was Paul Pellisson's connection to the Académie française?

Pellisson served as the first official historian of the Académie française, publishing its foundational history, Relation contenant l'histoire de l’Académie française, in 1653. He was highly regarded by its members and was promised a future seat.

Why was Paul Pellisson imprisoned in the Bastille?

He was imprisoned in the Bastille in 1661 because of his close association and role as secretary to Nicolas Fouquet, the Superintendent of Finance, who was arrested on charges of embezzlement and treason by order of Louis XIV.

How did Pellisson show loyalty to Nicolas Fouquet?

While imprisoned in the Bastille, Paul Pellisson bravely authored and circulated eloquent defenses for Fouquet, most notably the Discours au roi, par un de ses fidèles sujets sur le procès de M. de Fouquet, arguing skillfully on his patron's behalf against the royal accusations.

What was the significance of Pellisson's conversion to Catholicism?

Born a Calvinist, Paul Pellisson's conversion to Catholicism in 1670 was a pivotal moment. It aligned him with the religious policies of King Louis XIV, who was increasingly promoting religious uniformity, and significantly contributed to his rehabilitation at court, allowing him to gain rich ecclesiastical preferment and status.