GOURNAY, MARY DE JARS, LADY OF,
A French woman of wit and learning, was related to several noble families in Paris, but born in Gascony, in 1565. She had a strong turn for literature, and was so delighted with Montaigne's Essays, that, on her father's death, she adopted Montaigne in his stead, even before she had seen him. When he was at Paris in 1588, she visited him, and prevailed on him to pass two or three months with her and her mother, the Lady Gournay. Mademoiselle de Jars became so wedded to books in general, and Montaigne's Essays in particular, that she resolved never to have any other associate. Nor was Montaigne ungrateful for her admiration. He foretold, in his second book of Essays, that she would be capable of first-rate productions. The connection was carried through the family. Montaigne's daughter, the Viscountess de Jamaches, always claimed Mademoiselle de Jars as a sister. In 1634, after Montaigne's death, she revised and re-printed an edition of his Essays, with a preface, full of the strongest expressions of devotion to his memory.
She published a volume of prose and verse in 1636, called "Les Avis et les Presens de la Demoiselle de Gournal." She was never married, but received a small pension from the court. She died in 1645, at Paris.
GOZZADINI, BETISIA,
Born in Bologna, in 1209, of a noble family. She manifested from infancy a love for study, and a disinclination for ordinary girlish occupations; feeling the futility of the instruction given to young ladies, she prevailed upon her parents to allow her to devote herself to the acquirement of learning and science. In order to enjoy the advantage of the university, she put on man's apparel, and followed every course; as a student she soon took the highest standing in her college, and at the gaining of her degree received the laurel crown. She afterwards studied law, and obtained the title of Doctor, and the privilege of wearing the professional robe. Her eloquence was very much esteemed, as well as her learning and piety. She lost her life in an inundation caused by an overflow of the waters of the Idio, which overwhelmed a villa on its banks, where she was visiting. This accident happened in 1261.
GRACE, MRS.
The maiden name of this ingenious woman is not known. She was the daughter of a shoe-maker, and without any regular instruction, succeeded so well in painting portraits as not only to support her family, but also to realize twenty thousand pounds. She frequently exhibited with the Society of Artists in London; and in 1767, produced an historical picture. She left London for Homerton, where she died about 1786.
GRAFFIGNY, FRANCOISE D'HAPPONCOURT,
Was the daughter of a great-niece of the celebrated engraver Callot. Her disposition gentle and serious, her judgment excellent, she was benevolent and affectionate, and much esteemed by her numerous friends. Her "Lettres Peruviennes" obtained great
