Henrici Valesii Militis, Domini d’Orce, Consiliarii, et Historiographi Regii,…

1740

Shoults Lc 1740 V

[Amsterdam]: Apud Salomonem Schouten

Thought to have been a boy at birth, Queen Christina of Sweden (1629-1689) received all the educational advantages of being one in 17th century Europe. Described by her tutor as ‘not like a female’, Christina became ‘one of the most learned women’ of the time. She inherited the throne aged six when her father died, and from age 18, she ruled Sweden until her abdication in 1654. During her reign, Christina encouraged the sciences, arts, and culture in her Court; she insisted on dressing androgynously; and she refused to marry, apparently having several same-sex relationships in her life. As described in Henri de Valois’s piece, Christina was a ‘SERENISSIMA ac DOCTISSIMA REGINA’ – ‘fairest and most learned Queen’.