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Why was Jules Mazarin accused of greed by his enemies?

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Jules, Cardinal Mazarin Jules, Cardinal Mazarin, detail of a portrait by Philippe de Champaigne; in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.

Jules Mazarin’s enemies accused him of greed primarily because he accumulated a vast number of offices and benefices throughout his career. Critics further alleged that he frequently blurred the lines between royal income and his own personal wealth.1

These accusations were fueled by his significant influence and the high-profile lifestyle he maintained, which included acquiring extensive art collections and decorating his Parisian mansion with works by Italian artists. Additionally, his practice of following the Roman tradition of nepotism—arranging noble marriages and providing rich dowries for his nieces and nephews—drew further scrutiny from his detractors.1

Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that Mazarin’s financial actions were complex. On several occasions when the French state faced desperate financial crises, he placed his own personal fortune at the disposal of the government to support the nation.1