Madame du Barry was the last Maîtresse-en-titre of Louis XV of France and one of the victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. She liked to stir things up from the very beginning- as she started her long and profitable career as a courtesan in a brothel-casino. Her remarkable beauty caught the attention of Jean-Baptiste du Barry, a high-class pimp/procurer - who eventually arranged for her to have a title and falsified birth documents to make it seem as if she came from nobler descent. I personally, picture her life in the castle as the white trash girlfriend at an expensive restaurant.Years after Louis' death, Madame du Barry was accused of treason and sentenced to death. On the way to the guillotine, she collapsed in the tumbrel and cried "You are going to hurt me! Why?!" Terrified, she screamed for mercy and accused the crowd. Her last words to the executioner were: "One moment more, Mr. Executioner,
I beg you!"
I've heard of her but had no idea that she'd been executed. It's not surprising though - the French mob went to town on royalty and all those associated with it.
ReplyDeleteI've always been enthralled with all things related to Marie Antoinette. Boy did she snub du Barry... yikes! lol. Thanks for stopping by Jacqueline!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found your blog via Illustration Friday. And, as another huge fan of Eric Ripert and Tony Bourdain, I'm simply green with envy that you got to get so close to them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! It was a meet and greet post-show party. They did a lecture at Boston Symphony Hall called "Good vs. Evil". As a fan, it was AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteI got so nervous going up there, I don't even know what I said- probably some awkward guffaw. lol. I had so many questions ready, but went blank when I got up to the table!!!
Thanks for the history lesson. I kind of like the idea of white trash in the castle :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, your work is really great. Do you hand letter the type? I like all the textures and layers happening with the line work of Ms duBarry. Very interesting story as well. Thank you for visiting my blog as well.
ReplyDelete@Linda--- me too!
ReplyDelete@Debra--- Yes, I drew all the type myself, except for the dates. :)