Marquis de Sade (1740–1814), born Donatien Alphonse François, was a French aristocrat, writer, and philosopher best known for his controversial and provocative works exploring extreme freedom, morality, power, sexuality, and human cruelty. He was born in Paris into a noble family and was educated in elite institutions before serving as a military officer.

Throughout his life, de Sade was repeatedly imprisoned due to scandals involving sexual misconduct and accusations of abuse. He spent many years in prisons and asylums, including the infamous Bastille, where he wrote several of his major works.