Gaston III de Foix

(1331-1391)

   soldier, art and literary patron

   Known also as Gaston Phoebus, Gaston, count de Foix, was a renowned soldier and knight, and was the model great lord of the 14th century who was a patron of arts and letters. During the Hundred Years' War during the reign of philip vi, he at first supported the French faction. But King jean II having taken sides with his adversary, the count of Armagnac, Gaston de Foix refused to do homage, remained neutral, and went to fight in Prussia alongside the Teutonic Knights (1356). upon returning to France, he took part in the suppression of the jacquerie (1358). Always at war with the count of Armagnac, he fought him with the help of the grandes compagnies, and defeated and took him captive at Lannac (1362), only freeing him in exchange for an enormous ransom. That fund then allowed him to maintain an ostentatious court at orthez, but he left his domains to the Crown (he had killed his only legitimate son in a fit of anger in 1382). He also had disputes with Jean de France, duke of Berry.