Citation

Turcat E. Studi Francesi 2019; 2019(189): 515-521.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

What happens when Vatel, the epitome of the French courtesan, commits suicide? Who becomes the next standard-bearer for the social ideal of the honnête homme? Seemingly, the heir apparent goes by the name of Gourville. But who is this new paragon of courtly etiquette, other than a robber baron previously sentenced to death for his collusion with Fouquet? Clearly, as early as 1671, the French court has already embraced the need for a paradigm shift from honnêteté to habileté. However, as this article will demonstrate, this shift is no sea change. Gourville will have to retain much of his savoir-vivre as a classic honnête homme before he can reveal his savoir-faire as a modern habile homme. © 2019, Rosenberg and Sellier. All rights reserved.

Language: fr