This year, several French landmarks are paying tribute to France’s last queen, Marie-Antoinette. Despite her public execution taking place more than 230 years ago, the monarch continues to fascinate both at home and abroad. Our reporters dive into the reasons behind the lasting interest and explore why she could be considered France’s first influencer.
In June, the Versailles Palace launched its inauguralMarie-Antoinette au Trianonball. Partygoers stepped back into the 18th century to retrace the queen’s life, with the help of musicians, dancers and actors. As well as the Petit and Grand _Trianons_ (or royal villas in English), some got rare access to the secluded grotto the late queen had built.
Marie-Antoinette is one of the most depicted queens ever,” explains Versailles Spectacles director Laurent Brunner. Marie-Antoinette at Trianon, Versailles Palace © © France 24 Marie-Antoinette’s influence continues today, inspiring brands, writers, artists and filmmakers. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the cult classic “Marie Antoinette” by Sofia Coppola.
The film is being re-released in theatres this autumn in conjunction with anexhibition at Versailles Palace, and the publication of a behind-the-scenes book. So I hopped on a plane and I went to France with my one little camera,” explains “Making Marie-Antoinette” author Andrew Durham. The new bookshows snapshots of 21st century movie stars, styled in 18th century costumes with a pop culture twist.
Durham decided to publish the series after spotting someone at a coffee shop in LA with one of his photos on their T-shirt, yet another demonstration of the ill-fated queen’s lasting legacy.
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