Jean Louis de Nogaret de La Valette (* 1554; † 13 January 1642 in Loches) was one of Henri III’s mignons from 1578 onwards. At first he was overshadowed by Joyeuse, but rose so high in the king’s esteem that after Joyeuse’s death he was given all his offices and titles.
Anonymous: Jean Louis de Nogaret de La Valette, Duc d’Épernon. Musée national du château Versailles. Detail. CC0
He was a prime target of the pamphleteers who openly accused him of a homosexual relationship with Henri III. Parallels were drawn with Edward II and Piers Gaveston. Épernon responded to the pamphlets with a publication of his own. These writings may also have served as sources for The Massacre at Paris and Edward II.
After Alençon’s death, the king sent Épernon as a negotiator to Henri de Navarre. The negotiations failed because Navarre did not want to convert to Catholicism.
Although actually a soldier, Épernon must have had great diplomatic skill, for he remained one of the most influential men in France until the reign of Louis XIII. It was not until 1641 that Cardinal Richelieu sent the duke, who had experienced six kings and two regencies, into exile.
The Massacre at Paris
Épernon appears in several scenes. He is always the loyal companion of Henri III, whom he also actively supports against Guise.
