Molière died on 17 February 1673 in Paris, aged 51. A French playwright and actor, Molière, whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, trained in law but chose the stage instead, touring the provinces with his company for about twelve years before returning to Paris. Under the patronage of Louis XIV, he wrote and starred in comedies such as Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, The Miser and The Imaginary Invalid, which satirised hypocrisy, pretension and the medical profession. Some of his works provoked scandal and were banned for a time. He collapsed while playing the lead in The Imaginary Invalid and died a few hours later. He is regarded as one of the greatest masters of comedy.
Before and after
- 23 December 1672Discovery of Rhea
- from 1673 to 1681Revolt of the Three Feudatories
- 1673Founding of Worcester
- 1673Construction of Bonde Palace
- 17 February 1673Death of Molière
- 11 November 1673Battle of Khotyn
- from 1674 to 1818Maratha Empire
- from July 1674 to April 1678Messina revolt
- 8 November 1674Death of John Milton
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The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 17th century.