A LITTLE HISTORY WITH A WORK BY ABBÉ PIERRE BUREAU
As a child "the little page" lived at La Pétillerie.His father, Jean de Terrasson, Marquis de Montleau, was an army officer. He was killed in the wars in Germany. One day a carriage arrived in the courtyard at La Pétillerie…The future "little page" was fishing for frogs in the pond…! A man took him by the hand and said; "pack your bag, child, we are going to Versailles to finish your education…" Alexandre René Gabriel was just 11 years old! So the little chap left his family home. His guardian was his uncle, who had connec- tions at the court and could pay for his expensive education... Alexandre René Gabriel was a lively and hyperactive child who took an interest in all kinds of things, but was especially fond of leisure activities and receptions at the Court of Versailles…Theatre, dancing, concerts, balls, fencing… His private tutor complained quite often to his uncle that his nephew was keener on going out and spending money on silk stockings, buckled shoes and wigs or hiring carriages and sedan chairs than on studying. The arts and his weapons instructor were his main interests!
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs