Labé, Louïze

Born in Lyon in 1524, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, Louïze Labé enjoyed an excellent upbringing that was both literary and musical and also devoted to sport. She married a merchant and ropemaker in 1540 (hence her nickname Belle Cordière). Her reputation as an educated courtesan is most likely due to her beauty, her original lifestyle and her disregard for etiquette, which she cultivated even during her lifetime. Her 24 sonnets, published in 1555, caused a general furore. Not without an often bitter irony, the author depicts the drama of her existence as a woman, lover and writer and at the same time testifies to her determination to reveal an unadulterated female passion. Due to its enormous success, the book was reprinted three times in 1556. Around 1560, Labé retired to a country estate near Lyon, where she died six years later.