Anne de Lenclos, or Ninon (1620-1705), was known as an intelligent and seductive courtesan. Her conversation was highly appreciated in Parisian salons, and she inherited from her father a taste for celebration and libertinism. However, he also taught her the art of belles-lettres, music, dance, and behaving in society. Penniless, she placed herself under the protection of an adviser to Parliament and decided never to marry. Her only known passion was the Marquis of Villarceaux, with whom she lived for three years.