Man’s Suit
c. 1790 - France
"When an Englishman comes to Paris he cannot appear until he has undergone a total metamorphosis."
— Tobias Smollett
Portrait of Madame du Barry - Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
December 8, 1793 - Madame du Barry is executed.
Image via - The Corcoran
A Fountain in the Park - Hubert Robert
“Robert studied painting in Italy. During his eleven-year stay in that country he was strongly influenced by Italian vedute artists (painters of Romantic scenes) and introduced landscapes of this type into French art. Fountain in the Park belongs to Robert’s most accomplished period. It may have been inspired by the gardens of the Tuileries, or could be an imaginary arrangement without topographical accuracy.
The artist’s strong interest in landscape planning won him an appointment by King Louis XVI as ‘designer of gardens.’ Although sympathetic to the French Revolution, Robert was accused of loyalty to the Court and was imprisoned for nearly a year. Upon his release, he became one of the first directors of the Louvre.” - Seen at MoFA
I love this guide. It is filled to the brim with photos and descriptions. I found it at a local used bookstore, and would highly recommend it to other Versailles/Marie Antoinette/French History fans!
So gorgeous!
May 10, 1774
Louis XVI becomes King of France.
Completed in 1760, a classically elegant and particularly rare château, certainly one of the most exquisite private estates in Provence. Situated near Châteauneuf du Pape in the heart of the Rhone valley, within easy reach of Avignon, Saint-Rémy and Aix en Provence, the estate’s glorious, fully enclosed landscape embraces 19.5 acres of mature wooded parkland, charming formal gardens, orchards and streams. At its heart lies the château itself, set at the end of a long avenue of ancient plane trees. Beautifully restored by the present owners to reflect its 18th century character, the château enjoys a sophisticated but comfortable refinement combined with discreetly present, 21st century technology (air-conditioning throughout, internet connection and mobile phones in every room). The property also comprises an adjacent, 18th century farm building, a conference centre, a chapel and extensive sports facilities including a floodlit tennis court, a squash court and an astonishing, 25 m infinity pool. The château (living area : 750 sqm) Ground floor : Entrance hall ; 5 receptions including a formal dining room, a large, professionally equipped kitchen adjoining a further “informal†dining room and a first master suite. First floor : 2 further master suites and a private sitting room / library. Second floor : 6 further bedroom suites. The farm (living area : 700 sqm) 2 receptions, kitchen, 11 bedroom suites, a conference room / home cinema, gym and cloistered courtyard.
“Anne Josephe Bonniere de la Mosson, the Duchess of Chaulnes, as Hebe. Hebe, the Grecian goddess of youth, was also known as “the cupbearer”; she served the nectar and ambrosia to the gods – that’s the reason why Anne is pictured here with a golden cup and serving glass. Her costume is pseudo-classical, with a breast exposed. Her blue cape/covering possibly signifies calmness or serenity. It could also mean “adoration”, which would fit well with the theme of youth (who doesn’t adore youth?).
This type of classical portraiture was very popular, especially in France, with the aristocracy of the rococo period. You can always tell, of course, rococo-era themed classical portraits because of the hair, usually – despite the “classical” influences, the hair is always powdered in a very 18th century way.”
