Philippe de Commynes
Philippe de Commynes (1447 – c. 1511) was a notable writer and diplomat in the courts of Burgundy and France. Born in Flanders, he became an orphan at a young age and faced financial difficulties early in life. Commynes began his career at the court of Philip the Good in 1464, where he served as a chamberlain and participated in military campaigns under Charles the Bold. He later shifted his allegiance to Louis XI of France, becoming one of the king's most trusted advisers. Commynes's political maneuvering included complex relationships with both Charles and Louis, leading to periods of favor and subsequent downfall after Louis XI's death, during which he faced imprisonment and exile. Despite these challenges, he utilized his time in exile to write his memoirs, which have been recognized as significant historical documents detailing French politics and society in the fifteenth century. Philippe de Commynes's life reflects the turbulent political landscape of his time and provides insights into the dynamics of power and diplomacy during a pivotal era in European history.
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Philippe de Commynes
Writer
- Born: 1447
- Birthplace: Renescure, a castle near Aire, Flanders (now in Belgium)
- Died: October 18, 1511
- Place of death: Argenton-Château, France
Biography
Philippe de Commynes, the son of Colard de Commynes and Marguerite d’Armuyden, was born at Renescure, a castle near Aire in Flanders (now in Belgium) in 1447. His mother died when he was very young. His father died in 1453, leaving him an orphan at the age of six. His father was heavily indebted at the time and Renescure and its titles were seized, leaving Commynes with a very meager inheritance.
In 1464, Commynes went to the court of Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy, his godfather. There Commynes was employed in the service of Philip’s son, Charles, count of Charolais. That same year, the estate of Renescure was returned to Commynes; consequently he was known as the seigneur of Renescure at the court of Burgundy.
Commynes accompanied Charles on several military campaigns. From 1467 to 1472, Commynes was extremely active in the affairs of the Burgundian court. Although he played no role in the actual formulation of policy, he was sent on many diplomatic missions. In 1467 Charles succeeded his father as duke of Burgundy and came to be known as Charles the Bold. In 1468 Commynes was knighted and became chamberlain of Charles the Bold. In October of that same year, at the meeting between Charles and Louis XI of France, Commynes did something which has never been made clear, but which caused Louis XI to feel that he had saved his life. From that meeting on, Commynes apparently was in the employ of both Charles and Louis XI of France.
In 1472 Commynes abandoned Charles who was in battle at Eu and joined the forces of Louis XI, who was encamped not far from Anger. For the next five years, Commynes was the king’s constant companion and his most trusted adviser. Louis XI also bestowed many honors and pensions upon Commynes who, with his extensive knowledge of the Burgundian court, was invaluable to him. In January of 1477, Commynes was once again involved in double dealing. This time it was apparently an attempt to get back his holding in Flanders, although once again the affair remains shrouded in mystery. However, his actions resulted in a weakening of the bond between him and Louis XI.
After the king’s death, Commynes fared poorly for some time. He was arrested and imprisoned first at Loches castle, then at the Conciegerie in Paris. In 1489 he lost one-fourth of his holdings and was exiled to his estate at Dreux for ten years. During his exile, he began to write his memoirs. His exile was brief and he returned to court and accompanied Charles VIII on diplomatic missions. Commynes died at Argenton-Château on October 18, 1511. From the sixteenth century to the present, his memoirs have been considered one of the best documents relating the history of French politics and society during the fifteenth century.