Inspirational Quotes by Julie de Lespinasse (French Salon Hostess)

Julie de Lespinasse (1732–76,) in full Julie-Jeanne-Éléanore de Lespinasse, was a French hostess of one of the most brilliant and emancipated of Parisian salons. She was the author of several volumes of passionate letters that reveal her romantic sensibility and literary gifts.

Born in Lyon, Lespinasse was an illegitimate daughter of Countess d’Albon. At first a teacher, in 1754, she became a companion to the Marquise du Deffand, one of the reigning aristocratic Parisian hostesses. While living with Madame du Deffand, Lespinasse formed a deep platonic relationship with the philosopher Jean le Rond d’Alembert.

From 1764, Lespinasse broke with the Marquise and created a brilliant salon in the rue Saint-Dominique of her own for the literary figures of her day. She also formed liaisons with the Marquis de Mora and the Comte de Guibert. Her Lettres (1809) to the Comte de Guibert show her intensely experienced emotions of love, remorse, and despair. Philosopher Denis Diderot wrote of her in his Rêve de d’Alembert (written 1769; D’Alembert’s Dream,) which she requested to suppress.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Julie de Lespinasse