Catherine de Vivonne Rambouillet

Catherine de Vivonne Rambouillet (1588-1665), French hostess, who presided over a literary salon in Paris, frequented by both aristocrats and writers. Her salon exerted great influence on French language and literature for a generation. Regarded as a haven from the political intrigues of the day, the salon found its way into the neoclassical poetry and drama of the late 17th century. the French playwright Molière satirized the extravagances of Madame de Rambouillet's gatherings in his Les précieuses ridicules (The Affected Young Ladies, 1659).