MARIE ANTOINETTES TRAVELLING CASE

MARIE ANTOINETTES TRAVELLING CASE

In 1789, an angry mob of thousands marched to Versailles to demand that the Royals relocate to Paris, under house arrest.

The King and Queen constantly sought ways to escape.

On the night of 20-21st June 1791, they made an attempt to flee the city.

Their plan would have succeeded were it not for Louis being recognised, when he peered through a carriage window.

Marie-Antoinette’s insistence upon packing a large travelling case, raised suspicions at her trial.

Madame Campan, Marie-Antoinette’s chamber maid, later testified against the Queen.

“On the 21st May she claimed that she was making
preparations for a departure from Tuileries.
Her Majesty was too attached to this object to go
without it, and that it would be useful when
travelling”.

Amongst Marie-Antoinette’s travel essentials, were a teapot and tea box, a hot chocolate pot, a gilt fruit knife, a small stove, an ink well, mirror and manicure set.
Hidden drawers contained a first-aid kit.

The objects are all made of silver, crystal, porcelain, ivory and ebony.
The majority of the silver pieces were crafted by silversmith Jean-Pierre Charpenat.

The case is currently on display at the Louvre Museum.