Comte de Montalivet

Overview

The Montalivet who appears in Marie's diary in May 1880 is most likely a descendant of Marthe Camille Bachasson, 3rd Comte de Montalivet (24 April 1801 – 4 January 1880), the French statesman who served as Minister of the Interior under Louis-Philippe and later as Intendant General of the Civil List. The 3rd Comte had recently died (January 1880); the person at the Salon/social circuit in May 1880 could be the heir (4th Comte) or another member of the family. The context — briefly encountered as a social acquaintance alongside Gavini — does not allow fuller identification.

Historical Context

The Bachasson de Montalivet family was one of the prominent Orléanist noble families. Their eminence under Louis-Philippe gave them enduring social prestige in Third Republic Paris.

References in Diary

• 1880-05-28: "Nous sortons avec Gavini que nous laissons avec Montalivet et allons essayer des robes." (We go out with Gavini, whom we leave with Montalivet, and go to try on dresses.)

Sources

Wikipedia: Marthe Camille Bachasson, Count of Montalivet