This is a translation of the 'Memoires of Jacques du Clercq', published in 1823 in two volumes, edited by Frederic, Baron de Reissenberg. In his introduction Reissenberg writes: 'Jacques du Clercq tells us that he was born in 1424, and that he was a licentiate in law and a counsellor to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in the castellany of Douai, Lille, and Orchies. It appears that he established his residence at Arras. In 1446, he married the daughter of Baldwin de la Lacherie, a gentleman who lived in Lille. We read in the fifth book of his Memoirs that his father, also named Jacques du Clercq, had married a lady of the Le Camelin family, from Compiègne. His ancestors, always attached to the counts of Flanders, had constantly served them, whether in their councils or in their armies.' The Memoires cover a period of nineteen years beginning in in 1448, ending in in 1467. It appears that the author had intended to extend the Memoirs beyond that date; no doubt illness or death prevented him from carrying out this plan. As Reissenberg writes the 'merit of this work lies in the simplicity of its narrative, in its tone of good faith, and in a certain air of frankness which naturally wins the reader’s confidence.' Du Clercq ranges from events of national and international importance, including events of the Wars of the Roses in England, to simple, everyday local events such as marriages, robberies, murders, trials and deaths, including that of his own father in Book 5; one of his last entries.
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François Gérard is in Painters.
On 4th May 1770 François Gérard was born in Rome, Italy [Map]. His father was the Frewnch Ambassador to Italy, his mother Italian.
1798. François Gérard (age 27). "Cupid and Psyche".
Around 1802. François Gérard (age 31). Portrait of Maria-Letizia Ramolino (age 51).
Maria-Letizia Ramolino: On 24th August 1750, or 1749, she was born. In 1764 Charles-Marie Bonaparte and she were married. On 2nd February 1836 she died.
1802. François Gérard (age 31). "Flora Caressed by Zephyr".
Between 1802 and 1805. François Gérard (age 31). Portrait of Juliette Récamier (age 24).
Juliette Récamier: On 3rd December 1777 he was born. On 11th May 1849 he died.
1803. François Gérard (age 32). Portrait of Maria-Letizia Ramolino (age 52).
Around 1804. François Gérard (age 33). Portrait of Mary Nisbet Countess Elgin (age 25).
Mary Nisbet Countess Elgin: On 18th April 1778 she was born to William Hamilton Nisbet and Mary Manners. On 11th March 1799 Thomas Bruce 11th Earl Kincardine 7th Earl Elgin and she were married. She by marriage Countess Elgin. They had two sons and three daughters. They divorced before 20th April 1808 she having been accused of having an affair with Robert Ferguson of Raith whom she subsequently married. The Earl sued Ferguson in both England and Scotland and won £10,000. He the son of Charles Bruce 9th Earl Kincardine 5th Earl Elgin. On 20th April 1808 Robert Ferguson of Raith and she were married. On 9th July 1855 she died.
1808. François Gérard (age 37). Portrait of Joseph Bonaparte (age 39).
Joseph Bonaparte: On 7th January 1768 he was born to Charles-Marie Bonaparte and Maria-Letizia Ramolino. On 28th July 1808 he died.
1811. François Gérard (age 40). Portrait of Jérôme Bonaparte (age 26).
Jérôme Bonaparte: On 15th November 1784 he was born to Charles-Marie Bonaparte and Maria-Letizia Ramolino. On 22nd August 1807 he and Princess Katharina Friederike Württemberg were married. On 24th June 1860 he died.
1814. François Gérard (age 43). Portrait of Louis XVIII King France (age 58).
1815. François Gérard (age 44). Portrait of King Charles X of France (age 57).
Adam Murimuth's Continuation and Robert of Avesbury’s 'The Wonderful Deeds of King Edward III'
This volume brings together two of the most important contemporary chronicles for the reign of Edward III and the opening phases of the Hundred Years’ War. Written in Latin by English clerical observers, these texts provide a vivid and authoritative window into the political, diplomatic, and military history of fourteenth-century England and its continental ambitions. Adam Murimuth Continuatio's Chronicarum continues an earlier chronicle into the mid-fourteenth century, offering concise but valuable notices on royal policy, foreign relations, and ecclesiastical affairs. Its annalistic structure makes it especially useful for establishing chronology and tracing the development of events year by year. Complementing it, Robert of Avesbury’s De gestis mirabilibus regis Edwardi tertii is a rich documentary chronicle preserving letters, treaties, and official records alongside narrative passages. It is an indispensable source for understanding Edward III’s claim to the French crown, the conduct of war, and the mechanisms of medieval diplomacy. Together, these works offer scholars, students, and enthusiasts a reliable and unembellished account of a transformative period in English and European history. Essential for anyone interested in medieval chronicles, the Hundred Years’ War, or the reign of Edward III.
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1815. François Gérard (age 44). Portrait of Henry Seymour (age 38) in historical costume.
Henry Seymour: On 10th November 1776 he was born to Henry Seymour and Anne Louise Thérèse Comtesse de Panthou. On 12th January 1817 Henry Seymour and Jane Hopkinson were married. On 27th November 1849 Henry Seymour died.
1827. François Gérard (age 56). "Teresa of Ávila".
1829. François Gérard (age 58). Portrait of Juliette Récamier (age 51). Crayon noir.
On 11th January 1837 François Gérard (age 66) died.