How did Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers really look?

France is famous, or perhaps infamous, for being a country of passion and heartbreak, of liaisons dangereuses and romantic rifts. Historically, the royal rivalry between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis proves to be one of the most scandalous and torrid tales of the 16th century. read more

I can answer about Catherine de Medici. Historical sources say that she is very pain looking and not attractive. Descriptions vary, but its assumed that she had a tight, sharp face and uninspiring eyes. read more

The emblem of Diane de Poitiers, three interlaced crescents. Despite wielding such power over the king, Diane's status depended on the king's welfare and remaining in power. In 1559, when Henry was critically wounded in a jousting tournament, Queen Catherine assumed control, restricting access to him. read more

Chateau d’Anet, where Diane de Poitiers lived out the rest of her life. The Chateau de Chenonceau (see yesterday’s item on Catherine de Medici) had also been given to her by Henri II, but Catherine took it back as soon as the king died. read more