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Name: Nicolas Fouquet

Date of Birth: 27 January 1615

Place of Birth: Paris, France

Nicolas Fouquet was marquis de Belle-Île and vicomte de Melun et Vaux. He lived from 27 January 1615 to 23 March 1680. Under Louis XIV, he was the Superintendent of Finances.

He was born in Paris to a noble family. He had preliminary instruction under the Jesuits. Later, at 13 years old, he became avocat of the Parlement in Paris. As an adolescent, he held many responsibilities. At 20, he obtained the post called maître des requêtes. He later bought the post of procureur général under the Parlement after working for the army of Mazarin and the court. While Mazarin was in exile, Fouquet protected his property.

When Mazarin returned, Fouquet became the superintendent of finances. He demanded for the job which required him to decide on matter related to the allocation of funds for the state creditors and the negotiations between financiers and the king. The position was desired by those with money, and Fouquet found himself richer after his marriage to Marie de Castille, who also belonged to the noble class.

With his confidence and position as procureur general, he was able to improve the government’s credit while preventing investigations of financial transactions. Furthermore, since Fouquet was the minister of finance, Mazarin soon turned into a suppliant. Fouquet had to use his own credit at times to satisfy the demands of Mazarin and other courtiers.


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