Born: 18 July 1823, Italy (assumed)
Died: 18 November 1912
Country most active: France
Also known as: Duchess Colonna-Walewski, Marie-Anne di Ricci, Marie-Anne Catherine Clarisse Cassandre
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Countess Waleska, wife of Count Waleski, a natural son of Napoleon, Anne-Marie de Ricci was so pretty and so gifted that she was received everywhere with smiles. She was the center of attraction at many receptions, and well deserved the name of “La Rieuse.” She possessed that asset most essential to the wife of a diplomat: she knew how to “look and listen,” and therefore met with success in every circle. Her tact, her charm and her knowledge of human nature permitted her to play a great part in the political life of her husband, and she was said to be the best page in the portfolio of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, due to her ability to keep quiet on difficult occasions. The fall of Napoleon III and the death of her husband left her with very limited means but she adjusted herself with serenity to the new situation and then, as always, set an example of dignity.
IW note: She was also the mistress of Emperor Napoleon III of France from 1857 to 1861.