The New International Encyclopædia/Fontanges, Marie Angélique de Scoraille de Roussille, Duchesse de

FONTANGES, fôN′täNzh′, Marie Angélique de Scoraille de Roussille, Duchesse de (1661-81). A mistress of Louis XIV. She was born at the Château of Cropières in Auvergne, as the daughter of the Marquis de Roussille. Maid of honor to Madame, the Duchess of Orleans, she attracted the attention of the King, who made her Duchesse de Fontanges. She is said to have been beautiful, but most prodigal and extravagant, and her career was brief. She bore the King a son, and shortly afterwards died at the Abbey of Port Royal.