This afternoon I went to the Legion of Honor to see "Marie Antoinette and the Petit Trianon at Versailles".
What a treat - rich with history, and with an array of objects which give a glimpse of the rich life of the Queen of France, this exhibit was a wonderful escape into another world and time. The Petit Trianon was a retreat that was built on the grounds of Versaille by Louis XV, as a residence for his mistress. She died before it was completed, and his next mistress, Mme du Barry, inhabited it for a time. When the King died, his son Louis XVI, gave it to his young wife, Marie Antionette, as a gift. She loved going there, as it allowed her privacy and gave her permission to be casual, two things that were forbidden at Versailles. She could also design the gardens in the way that she pleased (in more of a rambling, English style), and decorate the way that she wanted.
She comissioned many pieces for her retreat, and each one reflected her personal taste, and showcased the artistry and craftmanship of the furniture makers, painters, and metalworkers of the time. I loved all of the details: so intricate, feminine and elegant, but with a nod to nature in respect to the beautiful, lush surroundings.
The audio tour does a great job of explaining the history of Marie Antoinette, putting to rest the many misconceptions about her, and chronicling the events leading up to her imprisonment and eventual execution. They explain the Affair of the Necklace and give a good idea of the political unrest at the time of Bastille Day and the Revolution. For all of her lavish ways, Marie Antoinette ended her life with nothing at all. She, her husband, and all but one of her beloved children died after being taken from their home, put on trial, and sent to jail. She was 38 when she was be-headed.
Throughout January and February, the museum is offering a a series of Cinema Supper Clubs entitled "The Real Drama Queens". Tonight they are showing Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette", which is an adaptation of Antonia Fraser's biography "Marie Antoinette: The Journey". The other films will be: Anne of a Thousand Days, Elizabeth, Amadeus, Mary Queen of Scots, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (I love this choice!). I will definitely be there to see a few of these wonderful movies. What a perfect way to get ready for the upcoming films "The Other Boleyn Girl" (Feb 08) and "Mary Queen of Scots" (starting production April 08), both with Scarlett Johansson, interestingly enough. It is a year for courts and queens!
When I left the museum, with all of the images of gilded objects d'art, sparkling jewelry and intricate textiles in my head, I was amazed to see that a dense fog was surrounding the museum. It was so magical, like time had stopped. As I walked out and to my car, I half expected Marie Antoinette herself to emerge from behind one of the trees to greet me. I would have liked to have spent the rest of the afternoon with her, walking around the grounds and sharing my retreat with her the way she had shared hers with me.
