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What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution: The Wardrobe of a Queen in Crisis

Earl Williams

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A Portrait Of Marie Antoinette Wearing A White Dress With Blue Ribbons Queen Of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore To The Revolution (PICADOR)

Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, is known for her lavish lifestyle and tragic end. But what is less well-known is the story of her wardrobe, which tells a fascinating tale of fashion, power, and revolution. In "What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution," Caroline Weber offers a meticulously researched and beautifully written account of the queen's wardrobe, from her glittering gowns to her simple prison dresses.

Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution (PICADOR)

by Caroline Weber

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2151 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	612 pages

The Queen's Wardrobe

Marie Antoinette's wardrobe was one of the most extensive and luxurious in Europe. She owned over 2,000 dresses, 500 pairs of shoes, and countless other items of clothing and accessories. Her gowns were made from the finest silks and satins, and they were often adorned with elaborate embroidery, lace, and jewels. Marie Antoinette's shoes were equally extravagant, and they were often made from exotic materials such as ostrich feathers and crocodile skin.

The queen's wardrobe was not just a matter of personal vanity. It was also a way for her to assert her power and authority. Marie Antoinette used her clothing to create a carefully cultivated image of herself as a glamorous and powerful monarch. She knew that her clothes would be scrutinized by the public, and she used them to send a message about her own importance.

Fashion and Politics

Marie Antoinette's wardrobe was not just a personal statement. It was also a reflection of the political climate of her time. The late 18th century was a period of great social and political upheaval in France. The monarchy was facing increasing pressure from the people, and Marie Antoinette's wardrobe became a lightning rod for public anger.

The queen's lavish spending on clothing was seen as a sign of her extravagance and indifference to the suffering of the people. Her clothes were also seen as a symbol of the monarchy's decadence and corruption. Marie Antoinette's wardrobe became a target for revolutionaries, and it was eventually destroyed during the storming of the Bastille.

The Queen's Prison Wardrobe

After the monarchy was overthrown, Marie Antoinette was imprisoned in the Temple Tower. During her imprisonment, she was forced to give up her luxurious wardrobe. She was given simple prison dresses to wear, and she was no longer allowed to wear makeup or jewelry.

The queen's prison wardrobe was a stark contrast to her former wardrobe. It was a symbol of her fall from power and her impending death. Marie Antoinette was executed in 1793, and her wardrobe was sold off at auction.

The Legacy of Marie Antoinette's Wardrobe

Marie Antoinette's wardrobe has had a lasting impact on fashion and culture. Her gowns have been copied and reproduced by designers throughout history, and her style continues to inspire fashionistas today. The queen's wardrobe is also a reminder of the power of fashion to shape public opinion and to reflect the political climate of a time.

"What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution" is a fascinating and insightful look at the life and times of the last queen of France. Caroline Weber's meticulous research and vivid writing bring Marie Antoinette's wardrobe to life, and she shows how the queen's clothes were both a reflection of her personality and a symbol of her time.

Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution (PICADOR)

by Caroline Weber

4.6 out of 5