Marie Antoinette of Austria (1755-1793), Princess of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess of Austria and Queen Consort of France by virtue of her marriage to Louis XVI until her death on the guillotine during the French Revolution, continues to inspire the most passionate and conflicting feelings, as well as the most disparate interpretations of her public and private life.
Recent exhibitions in Paris have rekindled public interest (if, indeed, it had ever grown cold) in the queen’s character.
Dozens of portraits exist, showing Marie Antoinette at various ages throughout her life.