Marie+de+medici

Maria de Medici was one of seven children and was born in Florence, Italy at the Palazzo Pitti on April 26,1575. She was born to Francesco de Medici, the grand duke of Tuscany, and Joanna of Austria. She became the Queen of France after marrying King Henry IV in 1600, who married her in order to receive a large dowry to help pay off his debts. The following year Maria gave birth to her first child and future king, Louis III.

Maria continued having children, however she was not in a happy marriage. Often times Maria had arguments involving his past marriages and feuded with his mistresses. In 1610, King Henry IV was assassinated. Coincidentally, Maria was crowned queen of France just one day before her husband's death and although her son, Louis XIII was of age, she ignored that and continued her rule in his name.

During her reign she constructed the Palais du Luxembourg. The site was purchased in 1612 and completed in 1615. This was one of her major art projects during her time as queen. During the time her husband was alive, she was never considered one who made good judgments in politics, and her ability did not improve much when she took over the regency. She reversed policies, participated in rebellions, and became an enemy to many.

Later in life she was banished by Louis in 1631. She fled to Brussels and never returned to France. She died on July 3, 1642, destitute.