The riddle is easy to solve, for the story of the young Austrian archduchess is an unforgettable one. Admiration, hate, jealousy and high drama all form part of her story, which has retained people’s interest down the ages.
Marie-Antoinette is undoubtedly France’s most notorious queen. She was adulated on her arrival in Versailles, where her beauty, vivacity and intelligence were widely admired. Worried by her popularity, courtiers at Versailles attempted to limit her political influence. But the young queen was destined to make an impact. Marie-Antoinette soon became known as a patron of the arts.
She brought about changes at Versailles in the realms of decorative arts, music and fashion. However, her extravagance came in for sharp criticism. The young queen was dismissed as “the Austrian” and considered a spendthrift, a schemer and a counter-revolutionary.
The Grand Palais provides a fascinating insight into Marie Antoinette’s strong and complex personality through this exhibition of nearly 300 works from all over Europe: a rare opportunity, considering that the last tribute of this scale paid to this famous historical figure dates back to 1955.

FHR

Photo © Elizabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun, Portrait de la reine Marie-Antoinette, dit « à la rose », Versailles