Valet de chambre, or varlet de chambre, was a court appointment introduced in the late Middle Ages, common from the 14th century onwards. Royal households had many persons appointed at any time. While some valets simply waited on the patron, or looked after his clothes and other personal needs, itself potentially a powerful and lucrative position, others had more specialized functions. At the most prestigious level it could be akin to a monarch or ruler's personal secretary, as was the case of Anne de Montmorency at the court of Francis I of France. For noblemen pursuing a career as courtiers, like Étienne de Vesc, it was a common early step on the ladder to higher offices.
Jean de Vaudetar, valet to King Charles V of France, presents the king with his gift of an illuminated manuscript by Jean Bondol, who was also a valet de chambre, in 1372. Vaudetar was a nobleman, already in charge of the Louvre palace, who was to progress further at court.
Papal valets kneel during The Mass at Bolsena by Raphael, himself a Papal valet who may himself be here, looking at the viewer
Probable self-portrait of Jan van Eyck painted in 1433. He became a valet in 1425, at a very high salary, and remained one until his death. He was also used as a diplomat, and once performed a pilgrimage on behalf of his Duke.
Portrait of Concino Concini, a favourite who probably began as valet de chambre to Maria de Medici, by Daniel Dumonstier, also a valet de chambre.
A valet or varlet is a male servant who serves as personal attendant to his employer. In the Middle Ages and Ancien Régime, valet de chambre was a role for junior courtiers and specialists such as artists in a royal court, but the term "valet" by itself most often refers to a normal servant responsible for the clothes and personal belongings of an employer, and making minor arrangements. In the United States, the term most often refers to a parking valet, and the role is often confused with a butler.
A 17th-century valet de chambre
Carving of "Bazin", the valet to Aramis, of The Three Musketeers, was a studious person who later became a lay brother. (Thomas Nicholls carves him brushing his master's clothes whilst studying theology.)
