Catherine de’ Medici became queen consort of France after marrying Henri II. After the death of her husband in 1559, she played a great part in the political decisions either as regent or as her sons’ counselor during their reigns. Despite being recognized for her patronage of the Arts, she’s famous for her implication in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. Having to deal with the French wars of religion, she favoured civil tolerance and tried to make compromises and concessions with the Protestants.