Beschrijving
Portrait of Marc-Pierre de Voyer de Paulmy Comte d'Argenson.
DArgenson (1696-1764) was a French statesman who followed a legal career before rising to important administrative roles, including serving as lieutenant-general of police in Paris. He became a trusted confidant of the regent and was closely connected with leading intellectuals such as Voltaire, contributing as well to legislative work. Over time, he held several high offices, including director of book censorship and member of the kings council. Appointed Secretary of State for War in 1743 during the War of the Austrian Succession, he undertook major military reforms and helped restore the effectiveness of the French army, contributing to victories like the Battle of Fontenoy. Despite his popularity and achievements, court intrigues led to his dismissal and exile in 1757, after which he spent his remaining years among scholars and philosophers, returning briefly to Paris shortly before his death in 1764.
