Anne de Parthenay

Anne de Parthenay was a 16th-century woman who received a thorough classical education from her mother, Michelle de Saubonne, the governess to Renée, Duchess of Ferrara. Clément Marot stated in verse to Parthenay that she had "learning and sound knowledge."

When Parthenay married Antoine de Pons, their wealthy and prestigious families became more influential. She helped her husband Antoine de Pons, Count of Marennes at Ferrara, Italy. They were both companions of the Duchess of Ferrara until the Duke believed an informer that stated that Parthenay was part of a plot to poison him.

Parthenay, her mother, and her husband became Calvinists during the Protestant Reformation, having met John Calvin at Ferrara, Italy, in 1534. Calvin evaded the royal army of French Catholics during the French Wars of Religion. André Mage de Fiefmelin dedicated Oeuvres de Sieur de Fiefmelin, divisées en deux parties, a collection of his poems to Parthenay.

Early life Anne de Parthenay was the daughter of Michelle de Saubonne, a lady of Brittany, also known as Madame de Soubise.