Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais
French playwright and diplomat (1732–1799)
Biography
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (pronounced [pjɛʁ oɡystɛ̃ kaʁɔ̃ d(ə) bomaʁʃɛ]; né Caron; 24 January 1732 – 18 May 1799) was a French playwright and diplomat of the Age of Enlightenment. Best known for his three Figaro plays, at various times in his life he was also a watchmaker, inventor, musician, spy, publisher, arms dealer, and revolutionary (both French and American).
Born a Parisian watchmaker's son, Beaumarchais rose in French society and became influential in the court of Louis XV as an inventor and music teacher. He made a number of important business and social contacts, played various roles as a diplomat and spy, and had earned a considerable fortune before a series of costly court battles jeopardized his reputation.
An early French supporter of American independence, Beaumarchais lobbied the French government on behalf of the American rebels during the American War of Independence. Beaumarchais oversaw covert aid from the French and Spanish governments to supply arms and financial assistance to the rebels in the years before France's formal entry into the war in 1778. He later struggled to recover money he had personally invested in the scheme. Beaumarchais was also a participant in the early stages of the 1789 French Revolution.
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Career highlights
Notable works
- The Barber of Seville
- The Marriage of Figaro
- The Guilty Mother
Family
- Spouse(s)
- Madeleine-Catherine FranquetGeneviève-Madeleine LévêqueMarie-Thérèse-Amélie Caron de Beaumarchais
- Children
- Amélie-Eugénie Caron de Beaumarchais
- Parents
- André-Charles Caron
Quick answers about Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais
- How old was Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais?
- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais died on May 18, 1799 at the age of 67.
- When is Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais's birthday?
- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais was born on January 24, 1732.
- Where was Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais born?
- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais was born in Paris.
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- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais's zodiac sign is Aquarius.
- What is Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais's nationality?
- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais is a citizen of France.
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- Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais is known as musician, poet, businessperson, publisher.
- Who has Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais been married to?
- According to Wikidata, Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais's spouses include Madeleine-Catherine Franquet, Geneviève-Madeleine Lévêque, Marie-Thérèse-Amélie Caron de Beaumarchais.
- How many children did Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais have?
- Wikidata lists 1 child of Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais.