Julie daubigny natalie dormer biography

12 June 2025, 15:12

The real-life story of queer love and operatic passion from the 17th-century icon, Julie D’Aubigny.

At the end of the 17th century, a convent in Avignon in Southern France was razed to the ground.

The fire was the result of arson laid by a soon-to-be opera singer named Julie D’Aubigny, the daughter of a trusted secretary at the King’s court, who was at the convent in pursuit of her lover.

The woman’s parents discovered the romance and sent their daughter to a convent to separate the lovers.

Read more: Hildegard of Bingen: life and music of the great female composer

Why did Julie D’Aubigny burn down a convent?

D’Aubigny followed her lover, and managed to join the convent.

What is for certain is that she was embroiled in these key events that would set anyone apart as having an extraordinary life.

And her documented relationships with both men, and women, the impact of which are perhaps deepened by the stories of her years dressed in men’s clothing, make her undoubtedly queer at a time when being gay was most often hidden in the shadows.

Read more: Who was Maria Callas, and what made her the world’s greatest opera diva?

What opera parts were written by Julie D’Aubigny?

Some personalities in opera are so striking, some voices so memorable, that they inspire composers to write parts especially for their owners.

And such was the case for Julie D’Aubigny.

She spent nearly nine months without work before finally securing a small role in "Distant Shores." In 2006, she played a minor role in an episode of the series "Rebus." From 2007 to 2008, Dormer portrayed Anne Boleyn in the first two seasons of "The Tudors," receiving critical acclaim for her incredibly vibrant and powerful performance.

In March 2010, Dormer made her theatrical debut as Mizi in the production of "Sweet Nothings," earning high praise from critics once again.

And, let's face it, she should be EVERYONE'S girl-crush.

D’Aubigny was in a trusted position, active in supporting Lorraine-Guise’s militaristic role and training court pages, alongside other duties, which presented him with the right circumstances to teach his daughter a rigorous course of academic studies – more typically bestowed on boys in those days – as well as the art of fencing.

Julie D’Aubigny emerged well-educated, and a master swordswoman.

Julie D’Aubigny the sword fighter

It is recorded that she could compete in fencing perfectly well against grown men from as young as 12, and history has her recorded as travelling around the region to demonstrate her sword skills, alongside her brothers.

D’Aubigny apparently dressed in male attire when fencing, and her skill was so great that people didn’t believe she was a woman.

Just six months after graduating from the academy, she landed her first successful role as Victoria in the film "Casanova" in 2005. It is also known that she was subjected to bullying by other students for some time. Victory in the class struggle. During one duel, she took her shirt off to prove it.

The loves of Julie D’Aubigny

In 1687, when she was just 14, she appears to have started a relationship with her father’s employer, Louis de Lorraine-Guise.

Around the same time, she’s also recorded as having an affair with a fellow fencer, a man called Séranne.

This was after she had married Sieur de Maupin of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which made her Madame de Maupin, or “La Maupin”.

They lived apart when Sieur de Maupin was posted for work, and she travelled around the country with Séranne giving more fencing demos, often dressed as a man.

D’Aubigny is also charged in history as beginning a romantic relationship with a young woman (not the first same sex love affair she would have) not a long time after this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duel Jade Cuttle. Alongside her studies, Dormer also pursued dancing. Continuing her travels in male disguise, she made her way to Paris, earning money by singing, something her fine education had given her the ability to do, and working in bars.

Julie D’Aubigny the opera singer

She happened upon a singing teacher named Maréchal, and also met an opera singer, Gabriel-Vincent Thévenard, who between their mentoring and dreams, encouraged her to take her singing to Paris.

Thévenard was soon engaged by Paris Opera, and this encouraged D’Aubigny to apply.

Her family, including her mother, stepfather, brother, and sister, had high hopes for her successful college admission. She's a criminal, yes, but she's fantastic.

Plus, a plea to Natalie Dormer: MAKE THIS A MOVIE.

Sources:

“Julie D’aubigny.” Rejected Princesses. The film significantly contributed to Dormer's career, and the director, Lasse Hallström, was so impressed with her comedic talents that he expanded her role.

After "Casanova," Dormer signed a three-film contract with Touchstone Pictures, although the contract was never put into action.