[Born in Paris 1553. Died 1617. Aged 64.]
Under Henry III. of France, De Thou discharged the duties of several
offices with eminent ability and credit; and in 1581, was appointed one
of the commissioners, sent to quiet the disturbances in Guyenne. In
1588, he was nominated Councillor of State, and in the following years
proceeded to Germany and Italy on a diplomatic mission. On the death of
Henry III. he received the confidence of Henry IV., and was employed,
with others, to digest the articles set forth in the celebrated Edict of
Nantes in 1598. In 1591, he commenced his great history of his own
times; and, in 1604, published the first eighteen books. After the death
of Henry IV., he served for a time as one of the Directors of Finance in
Sully’s place, but soon retired, disappointed and vexed; and closed his
days in the completion of his magnificent historical labours, and in the
practice of piety. De Thou was deeply read in men, and learned in human
dealings; grave and severely simple. His mighty work was written in 138
books, in the purest Latin, and is one of the world’s monuments of
industry, intelligence, and knowledge. He also wrote Latin verses.
[From the marble in the Louvre, by Barthélemi Prieur. The head is in
white marble, and the body in porphyry to imitate his robe.]