Louis Henri, Duke of Bourbon

Louis Henri de Bourbon, Duke of Bourbon, was born on August 18, 1692, in Versailles, France. He was the only son of Louis III, Prince of Condé, and Louise Françoise, daughter of Louis XIV's illegitimate son, Louis de Bourbon, Duke of Beaufort. Louis Henri was known for his military achievements, having fought in numerous battles during the War of the Spanish Succession and earning the rank of lieutenant-general. He was also a noted art collector and patron, amassing a large collection of paintings and sculptures. In 1713, Louis Henri married Caroline of Hesse-Rotenburg, with whom he had four children. However, the couple's marriage was unhappy, and in 1741, they separated. During the War of the Austrian Succession, Louis Henri commanded the French army in Flanders but was defeated at the Battle of Lauffeld in 1747. After the war, Louis Henri retired to his estates, where he devoted much of his time to his art collection. He died on January 27, 1740, at the Château de Chantilly, leaving his fortune and collection to his nephew, Louis Joseph, Prince of Condé.