The Paris Traveler

Misunderstood Marie!

by Kim on February 1st, 2008

 I have had a curious interest in this most misunderstood of women, Marie Antoinette, for a long time.  History hints at a self-indulged young queen, which I am sure has an element of truth to it.  But my guess is that hers was not the easiest of  lives by a long shot.  If one could fast forward her into the present, I’m betting she wouldn’t be much different from the young pop stars we read about struggling with staying at the top of the charts, missing child support hearings, getting one too many DUI’s and spending the night in jail.  Time will tell what their legacies will be.  They can only hope (although, chances are slim) that it could be as rich and beautiful as this woman’s.  

 The young arch duchess of Austria arrives in France at the age of fourteen to be married to Louis XVI and so the story begins of  a loveless marriage followed by pressures to give birth to an heir and political intrigue within the court at Versailles that is a constant game of deceit.  Life was lived excessively and as Marie learned to play the game, she created both friends and foes. She was beautiful, intelligent and loved the things around her to reflect that, becoming an influential patron of the arts.   She brought about changes in the decorative arts, music and fashion.  Luckily for us, her exquisite taste continues to be an inspiration for designers today in jewelry, fashion, fabric and even movies!

Starting March 15 to June 30, 2008, the Grand Palais will be putting on display 300 works collected from all over Europe to provide insight into the strong and complex personality of this woman.   Unbelievably, the last time a tribute similar to this was paid her was in 1955. I think if you are fortunate enough to be in Paris this spring,  you should join the ranks of hundreds of others standing in the long line that no doubt will be snaking around this majestic building to see it!  

 Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais 

Here is just one example of her influence on our world: 

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POSTED IN: History & Information, Must See