On 23 February 1653, Alexandre Bontemps, born in 1626, danced for the first time in a ballet with the very young king Louis XIV. The previous year he had been called to take over from his father Jean-Baptiste as first manservant to the king. He remained in this post for half a century, the guardian of the royal body, master of the court liturgies, and a necessary intermediary even for the most powerful with his royal master who showed him unfailing trust and affection, to the extent of appointing him Superintendant of Versailles in 1665. So this manservant grew rich, was ennobled and was able to use his contacts for his personal advancement and that of his family. The atypical career of a 'simple' manservant offers the opportunity through numerous anecdotes to flesh out the ordinary and extraordinary life of the Court of the Sun King.

219 pages
Edition : Perrin
Collection : Les métiers de Versailles
Author : Mathieu Da Vinha
Published in: October 2011
Language: french
ISBN : 978-2-262-02072-9