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Nicolas II de Sainctot
Not on view
Sainctot served the court in various capacities—including as Master of Ceremonies of France, as he is portrayed here (with the baton denoting that office)—before becoming Introducer of Ambassadors in 1691. One of two officials who performed the role (alternating biannually), he was in charge of all diplomatic ceremonial duties. Sainctot arranged an ambassador’s formal entry into Paris, public audience with the king, and farewell audience at the end of his service. He also conducted diplomats to the king’s lever (ritual awakening) and was present each Tuesday when they were received at Versailles.
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