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Pink: the Colour of Youth
From the middle of the 18th century, pastel colours took over in fashion from the previously favoured bright ones. Pink was amongst the new trending hues. One of the main reasons for why pink did not...
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The Controlling Prince de Conti
François Louis de Bourbon had been married to Marie Thérèse de Bourbon on 22 January 1688. Although the bride was immensely fond of - even in love with - her new husband, she would soon find their...
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Fashion Gallery: Suits (Yellow & Orange)
YellowVelvet suit, 17851774-80Spanish, 1785-1800OrangeVelvet suit, 1770-90Satin suit, 1770'sMissing the breeches but too fabulous not to include, 1750'sSpanish, 1780French, 1765Unknown origin, 1760's
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Film Fashion: Outlander
Plot: in the second season, Claire and Jamie Fraser travels to Versailles to scheme with Bonny Prince Charles.Takes place: 1740'sNOTE: not all costumes are featuredClaire FraiserEnglish-born Claire's...
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The Failed Education of the Grand Dauphin
The turbulent childhood of Louis XIV made him determined to provide his son and heir with the best education possible. Jacques Bénigne Boussuet was appointed as Louis, le Grand Dauphin's tutor; the...
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The Sang Froid of the Marquis de Favras
Thomas de Mahy, Marquis de Favras had been attached to the Swiss Guards under the command of the Comte de Provence. Although he retired in 1775 (not being able to keep up the expenses of being an...
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The Duc de Vendôme vs. The Duchesse de Bourgogne
Louis Joseph de Vendôme had proved himself as a very capable military leader prior to 1709. However, the campaign of that year saw him share command with the young Duc de Bourgogne, the king's...
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The Final Resting Places of the Bourbons
Tradition had it that the kings and queens of France were buried in the cathedral of Saint-Denis in Paris. However, the tumultuous years of the French Revolution led not only to the end of the...
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Le Duc d'Orléans: Frère de Louis XIV
Title: Le Duc d'Orléans: Frère de Louis XIVAuthor: Christian BouyerRating: 3 out of 5 starsThe life of Philippe d'Orléans is interesting in itself which is why I chose this book. Unfortunately, once I...
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The King's Blood?
It was common at executions of notable personages to attempt to get a momentum of the macabre event. Naturally, this was also the case with Louis XVI's case. A surviving report tells of how some...
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Anne Poussard de Fors du Vigean, Duchesse de Richelieu
Anne de Richelieu was born in 1622 and spent the majority of her life at court of either Louis XIII or Louis XIV. She was the daughter of François Poussard du Vigean, Baron de Fors and Anne de...
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The Robe Battante
The Robe Battante is an early version of the robe à la Française but a considerably more comfortable one than the tightly laced ones later favoured by Versailles. It was cut in the same fashion;...
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The Alcoholism of the Regent
Following the increasingly sombre mood at the court of Louis XIV, the Regency was characterized by excess. Philippe II d'Orléans took the role of Regent and he himself embodied the decadence of his...
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The Abducting of Mademoiselle de Roquelaure
The betrothal between Louis, Prince de Léon, eldest son of the Duc de Rohan and Mademoiselle de Roquelaure was considered a suitable - both bride and groom being the offspring of peers of the realm -...
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The New Dukedoms of Louis XIV
From his majority in 1651 until his death in 1715, Louis XIV created or revived no less than 34 ducal titles. Thus, he elevated a new group of people to the highest rank of the ability. There could be...
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The Jewels of Marie Josèphe
The Saxon Dauphine, Marie Josèphe, never did ascend to the throne of France but she certainly had a jewellery box worthy of a queen. Upon her death in 1747, an inventory was made over her possessions...
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The Wardrobe of Hyacinthe Rigaud
Hyacinthe Rigaud served as Louis XIV's court painter; as such he was not an aristocrat nor was he ennobled by his greatest patron. Yet, he spent considerable time both at court and in private with the...
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The House of Caumont
Originating from Gascony, the House of Caumont had split into two different branches by the reign of Louis XIV. One was headed by the Duc de La Force and the other Duc de Lauzun. It is estimated that...
View ArticleThe Crown Jewels
The collection of French Crown Jewels was initiated by Francis I in the 16th century and only grew over the centuries. Sadly, during the revolution, the majority of the Crown Jewels were sold off and...
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The Crown Jewels of 1774
The following pieces of jewellery were added by 1774 but is not a complete list of the entire royal collection; these pieces were added to those already in the treasury which are accounted for under...
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