Comte de Mirabeau

Full Name: Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau
Profession: Revolutionary and Politician

Biography: Comte de Mirabeau was a French writer, a diplomat, and a prominent orator during the period of the French Revolution.

Mirabeau is best remembered for his eloquent speeches, which earned him a reputation as one of the Revolution's foremost orators. His passionate speeches in the National Assembly, where he was a member from 1789 until his death, rallied support for constitutional monarchy as a form of government, and his advocacy for civil liberties earned him a wide following.

Aside from his role in the National Assembly, Mirabeau was a talented diplomat. He worked as a secret negotiator between King Louis XVI and the revolutionaries, attempting to broker a compromise that would prevent further bloodshed. His attempts, however, were ultimately unsuccessful.

After his early death it was revealed at the 1792 Trial of Louis XVI that Mirabeau had been receiving clandestine payments from the King, for which his reputation was irreparably tarnished.

Born: March 9, 1749
Birthplace: Le Bignon, Orléanais, France
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: April 2, 1791 (aged 42)
Cause of Death: Natural causes