Marianne de Charrière was a Swiss-born writer, born on July 17, 1760, in Lausanne. She is best known for her novels and letters that explore themes of love, society, and the role of women in the 18th century. Her most famous work, Clara, reflects her keen observations of human nature and social dynamics. De Charrière lived in Holland for much of her life, where she became part of the intellectual circles of her time. She was a contemporary of notable figures like Voltaire and Rousseau, and her writings contributed to the Enlightenment discourse on individualism and morality. She passed away on December 9, 1805.