Profile of the Day: Marquis de Sade

Marquis de Sade

Do you have any black sheep in your family tree? On this day 200 years ago, the notorious Marquis de Sade died in an insane asylum. A highly controversial figure in history, de Sade’s scandalous life and work shocked and continues to shock audiences.

For years, his descendants had long disowned their scandalous ancestor and eliminated the use of the marquis title well into the mid-twentieth century. Today, his living descendants have embraced their infamous ancestor, producing wine under his name and endorsing the publication of his recently discovered works.

Despite the horrific nature of his work, one cannot deny his influence in popular culture and lexicon (the word “sadism” is said to be derived from his name). Renowned artists Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso were all influenced by de Sade’s work.

In celebration of the bicentennial of his death, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France is exhibiting many of de Sade’s works and documents.

View the Marquis de Sade’s Geni Profile