Louise-Dorothée de Saxe-Meinengen (German: Luise-Dorothea von Sachsen-Meiningen; Palais d'Ehrenbourg, 20th August 1710 - Château de Friedenstein, 22th October 1767), was a German princess of the House of Wettin, originating from the line of Meiningen, who, through her matrimonial union with her cousin, Frederick III, attained the rank and dignity of Duchess of Saxony-Gotha-Altenburg.
Although her appearance did not conform to the conventional ideals of beauty, her intellect captivated many. Renowned even in her own time as one of the most insightful and astute women in Germany and Europe, she garnered the admiration of numerous leading figures of the Enlightenment, including none other than Voltaire himself. A fervent patroness and benefactor of cultural societies and intellectual circles within her duchy, she left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape of her era. Her dedication to knowledge and the pursuit of learning was so profound that she expanded the ducal library to accommodate her private collection of over 3,500 volumes, encompassing classical masterpieces and a wide array of contemporary works.
Birth and Early Life[]
Louise Dorothée was born on August 10, 1710, in Coburg, a town then part of the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. She was the only daughter of Ernst Ludwig I de Saxe-Meiningen and his first wife, Dorothée Marie de Saxe-Gotha-Altenbourg. Her mother's passing at the tender age of three significantly impacted her early life. Her father remarried Elisabeth Sophie de Brandebourg in 1714, and Louise Dorothéea spent her formative years in Coburg and Meiningen, surrounded by the court.
From a young age, Louise Dorothée was known for her lively spirit, cheerful disposition, and innocent teasing. At the age of ten, she came under the guidance of her stepmother, who took a keen interest in her education. After her father's death in 1724, Louise Dorothée and her stepmother moved to Coburg, where she spent her days in a relatively secluded environment. This seclusion allowed her to focus on her intellectual development without the distractions of a bustling court.
Louise Dorothée found a kindred spirit in her stepmother's lady-in-waiting, Juliane Franziska von Buchwald. Through their interactions, she developed a deep appreciation for the fine arts and literature. Together, they explored the works of French authors and cultivated a shared love of culture.
Intellectual Pursuits and Cultural Patronage[]
From a young age, Louise Dorothée exhibited a keen intellect and a vibrant personality. Under the guidance of her stepmother, she received a comprehensive education, developing a strong appreciation for the arts and literature. Her marriage to Frédéric III, Duc de Saxe-Gotha-Altenbourg, in 1729 provided her with a platform to further cultivate her intellectual interests and become a prominent patron of the arts.
Louise Dorothée played a pivotal role in transforming her husband's duchy into a cultural center in Thuringia. She corresponded with renowned Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau, fostering intellectual exchange and promoting new ideas. Her court in Gotha became a hub for cultural activity, attracting prominent figures from across Europe.
Marriage and Family Life[]
In 1729, Louise Dorothée married her cousin, Frédéric III, Prince Héritier de Saxe-Gotha-Altenbourg. Three years later, he succeeded his father as Duc de Saxe-Gotha-Altenbourg. The couple had nine children, including the future Duc Ernst II and the prominent patron of arts and sciences, Augustus. Louise Dorothée was a devoted mother and played a significant role in the education of her children, instilling in them a love for learning and a sense of duty.
Political Influence and Absolutism[]
Despite her support for Enlightenment ideals, Louise Dorothée remained committed to absolutism. She actively participated in the political affairs of her duchy, attending meetings of the Privy Council and exerting significant influence over her husband's policies. Her patronage of the arts and sciences was often intertwined with her political ambitions, as she sought to create a cultural legacy that would enhance the prestige of her court.
Founding the Order of Merry Hermits[]
In 1739, Louise Dorothée and her husband founded the Order of Merry Hermits at Friedrichswerth Castle. This society was dedicated to fostering a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at court, emphasizing pleasure and amusement. The order's motto, "Vive la joie!" (Long live joy!), reflected its emphasis on lightheartedness and enjoyment.
Correspondence with Voltaire and Frederick the Great[]
Louise Dorothée's intellectual pursuits led her to correspond with influential figures of the time. Voltaire, a renowned French philosopher and writer, visited Gotha in 1753 and was greatly impressed by her hospitality and the intellectual atmosphere of her court. He praised her as the "best princess on earth" and a "German Minerva."
Luise Dorothea also corresponded with Frédéric le Grand, the Prussian King. Their exchange of letters and visits further enhanced her reputation as a cultured and influential figure. The letters between the Duchesse and the Roi portrayed a growing friendship and mutual admiration.