Marie-Antoinette: France’s last queen and first influencer?

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 inaugural Marie-Antoinette au Trianon ball. 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. “It’s never open to the general public so it’s an extraordinary privilege,” explained one ticket holder. The event sold out in just a few hours, with many of its visitors travelling from abroad. “It’s probably exhibitions about Louis XIV or Marie-Antoinette that are the most successful in Versailles. Marie-Antoinette is one of the most depicted queens ever,” explains Versailles Spectacles director Laurent Brunner. 

In June, the Versailles Palace launched its inaugural Marie-Antoinette au Trianon ball. 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. “It’s never open to the general public so it’s an extraordinary privilege,” explained one ticket holder. The event sold out in just a few hours, with many of its visitors travelling from abroad. “It’s probably exhibitions about Louis XIV or Marie-Antoinette that are the most successful in Versailles. Marie-Antoinette is one of the most depicted queens ever,” explains Versailles Spectacles director Laurent Brunner. 

Marie-Antoinette

An icon in popular culture

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 an exhibition at Versailles Palace, and the publication of a behind-the-scenes book. 

“Sofia called me up and asked me if I would be interested in coming (to Versailles) and taking some snapshots on the set. 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 book shows 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.