Maria Antonia Josephe Johanna von Hapsburg-Lothingren born the daughter of Emperor Francis I and Maria Theresa of Austria, one of 15 children.  In 1770, at the age of 15, she  married Louis Auguste, the French Dauphin, who later ascended the French throne as Louis XVI.  Dubbed 'the Austrian Woman' by the French court, as she was considered to be too much under the influence of her mother, she was further considered insipid and insensitive by her subjects.  History has judged her an incompetent ruler due to her complete lack of education, her lack of understanding and empathy with the average citizen, and most definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The tale of her declaration of  'Let them eat cake' when told that the people had no bread is very unlikely, as the phrase is paraphrased in written works long before the birth of Marie Antoinette.  What is documented, however, is that Marie Antoinette was a bad money manager and spent very unwisely at a time when the French treasury had been severely depleted by the Seven Years War and involvement with the Revolution in America.   Louis had little influence on her and his own ill health and lack of initiative allowed the situation to become worse.  In 1791, the Bastille, a notorious prison, was stormed, the prisoners released, and the French Revolution began.  The royal family, including Marie Antoinette, fled Paris, but were apprehended at Varennes.  Their flight caused them to be labeled traitors and they were held prisoner until in August, 1792, when Louis XVI was deposed as King of France.  The royals continued to be imprisoned until January 1793, when Louis XVI met was executed.  On October 16, 1793 Marie Antoinette was brought before a Revolutionary Tribunal, where she was charged with wasting treasury funds, and treason by corresponding with foreign enemies of France.  Later that day, Marie Antoinette followed her husband and was beheaded by the guillotine.  

DELUXE COSTUME

#B120   Dress has underskirt/inset with tulle trim.  Overdress with coordinating tulle trim.  Bodice has inset with contrasting trim and trimmed squared neckline.  Removeable cape attaaches in the back and conceals lace-up closure.  For proper fit and appearance, this dress is intended to be worn with our  Louis XVI Pannier Hoop or our Louis XVI Deluxe Hoop

Available in Junior, Misses and Womens sizes    3-24

Available in Green, Powder Blue, Baby Pink or Red Polyester satin     $550.00