Moll Davis

Moll Davis (actually Mary Davis; * 1648 in Westminster, † 1700 in London) was an English theater actress and courtesan, and the mistress of King Charles II of England.

Life

Mary " Moll " Davis was a popular dancer, singer and actress. After a visit to the theater in 1667, she met King Charles II ( 1630-1685 ) - he had a penchant for beautiful actresses - know and became his mistress. From the relationship was a daughter, Lady Mary Tudor (1673-1726), out. Through several small intrigues her rival Nell Gwyn (1650-1687), the king left his favorite. She got up to her death, an annual annuity of £ 1000 and a house in London.

In the opera Venus and Adonis by John Blow was first performed in the summer of 1681 in Oxford before King Charles II, played the role of Venus Moll Davis. The role of Cupid sung by her daughter Lady Mary Tudor, who was at that time only nine years old.

Gallery

Peter Lely: Moll Davis, 1665

Mary Beale: Moll Davis, 1675