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An Audience with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

French

Not on view

Kneeling before Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, a man carries a sealed letter, possibly to solicit some favor. Petitioning, an important reason for visiting Versailles, is rarely depicted in art. This fan seems entirely fanciful, since the king never wore a crown or carried a scepter. Furthermore, he never granted an audience with the queen, and only by exception would he be seated on a throne.

An Audience with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, Leaf: gouache on doubled paper; sticks and guards: gilded and silvered ivory, French

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