Although personal hygiene was not the same as it is today the toilette was nonetheless vital; it became a status symbol and a ceremony in itself.
Washing bowl belonging to Françoise-Marie de Blois, Duchesse d'Orléans, 1717-1722
Razor used by Louis XVI while imprisoned in the Temple
Crystal ewer and basin belonging to Marie Antoinette. The little golden dog on the lid opens the ewer - one must place a thumb in its mouth for the water to flow out!