Archduchess Maria Antonia and Louis, the Dauphin of France, were married at Versailles on 16 May 1770.
It’s probably no exaggeration to say that every single day of their marriage has been scrutinised and dragged into the spotlight. The discordant mismatch of this couple has fascinated historians and biographers for centuries. Vain and restless Maria Antonia – or Marie Antoinette, as the world knows her – craved pleasure and diversion; sluggish, inhibited Louis was her complete opposite. Both were too indifferent to truly get to know one another, and too superficial to even quarrel. Taken separately, even their most negative traits would have been rather harmless. But together, they amplified one another’s weaknesses until, despite their opposing temperaments, they arrived at the same tragic end.
So, without trying to add anything to the factual record, I simply recommend the historical drama Marie Antoinette (2006), directed by Sofia Coppola. While it may not be everyone’s favourite, I appreciate the way it captures the childish, capricious atmosphere of the grand world. The film offers a charming blend of historical accuracy (on a level approved by my professional eye) and a pulsing, metropolitan air that feels timeless and modern in every epoch.
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