Charles, Count of Angoulême (b. 1459)

Charles of Orléans, Count of Angoulême: A Precursor to Royal Patronage

Charles of Orléans (1459 – 1 January 1496), more commonly known by his territorial designation as Charles d'Angoulême (French: Charles d'Orléans), was a significant figure within the French nobility during the late 15th century. As a member of the influential House of Valois-Angoulême, a cadet branch of the ruling House of Valois, Charles inherited the esteemed title of Count of Angoulême in 1467, a position he held until his death. His life and patronage laid important groundwork for the cultural flourishing that would characterize the reign of his highly renowned son, King Francis I of France.

Succession and Regency: The Early Years of a Young Count

Charles d'Angoulême succeeded his father, John, Count of Angoulême and Périgord (Jean d'Orléans), upon the latter's death. John, a younger son of Louis I, Duke of Orléans, and Valentina Visconti, had endured a lengthy period as a prisoner of the English after the Battle of Agincourt, deeply impacting his life and later that of his son. As Charles was only eight years old at the time of his father's passing, his ascent to the countship necessitated a period of regency. This crucial administrative period was overseen by his devoted mother, Marguerite de Rohan, a formidable noblewoman from the powerful House of Rohan, a prominent ducal family in Brittany. Marguerite was capably assisted in her duties by Jean I de La Rochefoucauld, a highly influential local lord and one of Charles's principal vassals. The involvement of such a prominent and powerful vassal highlights the intricate web of feudal relationships and the importance of strong regional support for a young, underage count.

The County of Angoulême: A Strategic Domain

The County of Angoulême, located in southwestern France, was a strategically important domain. Historically, it was a significant administrative and cultural center, contributing to the broader political landscape of the Kingdom of France. While not one of the largest or wealthiest counties, its connection to the House of Orléans-Valois, and later its direct lineage to the future French monarchy through Charles, elevated its historical importance. The county’s administration during Charles's minority and subsequent rule was vital for maintaining stability in the region.

A Patron of the Arts: The Heures de Charles d'Angoulême

One of Charles d'Angoulême's most notable contributions and a testament to his cultivated taste was his commission of the exquisite and luxuriously illustrated manuscript known as the Heures de Charles d'Angoulême (the Book of Hours of Charles of Angoulême). A "Book of Hours" was a common type of Christian devotional book popular in the Middle Ages, intended for the daily prayers of laypeople. These personal prayer books typically included a calendar of feast days, excerpts from the Gospels, prayers to the Virgin Mary, and the Office of the Dead, among other texts.

Charles's specific commission stands out for its exceptional artistic quality. The manuscript is renowned for its incredibly detailed and vibrant illuminations, featuring exquisite miniatures, rich colors derived from costly pigments, and elaborate gilding. These intricate artworks not only served a devotional purpose but also demonstrated the owner's wealth, status, and appreciation for the finest craftsmanship of the era. This magnificent work of art, which provides valuable insights into late medieval manuscript illumination, is currently preserved and accessible at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, bearing witness to Charles's role as an early patron of the arts, a characteristic that would be inherited and expanded upon by his more famous son, King Francis I.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles d'Angoulême

Who was Charles of Orléans (Charles d'Angoulême)?
Charles of Orléans, also known as Charles d'Angoulême, was the Count of Angoulême from 1467 until his death in 1496. He was a member of the House of Valois-Angoulême and is historically significant as the father of King Francis I of France.
What was the significance of the regency during Charles's minority?
The regency, which began in 1467 when Charles was only eight years old, ensured the stable governance of the County of Angoulême. It was led by his mother, Marguerite de Rohan, and assisted by Jean I de La Rochefoucauld, a powerful vassal, demonstrating the importance of strong noble alliances and competent administration during a period when the count was too young to rule independently.
What is the "Heures de Charles d'Angoulême"?
The "Heures de Charles d'Angoulême" is a magnificently illuminated "Book of Hours" commissioned by Charles d'Angoulême. It is a highly valued example of late medieval manuscript art, known for its luxurious illustrations, intricate miniatures, and rich colors. This devotional book highlights Charles's patronage of the arts and is now housed at the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
How is Charles d'Angoulême connected to King Francis I of France?
Charles d'Angoulême was the father of King Francis I of France (François Ier), one of France's most renowned Renaissance monarchs. Charles's patronage of the arts, exemplified by his commissioning of the Heures de Charles d'Angoulême, can be seen as a precursor to the grander artistic and architectural endeavors undertaken by his son during his reign.