Marie Antoinette Affair Of The Necklace
The Marie Antoinette Affair Of The Necklace is a famous scandal that rocked France in the late 18th century. It involved the theft of a diamond necklace that was originally intended for Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. The scandal had wide-reaching consequences and contributed to the poor reputation that Marie Antoinette had in France.
The Necklace
The necklace in question was commissioned by Louis XV, the grandfather of Marie Antoinette's husband, Louis XVI. It was made up of 647 diamonds and was designed by jewelers Boehmer and Bassenge. The necklace was offered to Marie Antoinette, but she declined the offer, as she believed the money could be better spent elsewhere.
However, a woman named Jeanne de la Motte claimed to have been given permission by the Queen to purchase the necklace on her behalf. In reality, Marie Antoinette had never met de la Motte and had never authorized the purchase of the necklace.
The Scandal
When the jewelers came to collect payment for the necklace, they realized they had been tricked. They had given the necklace to de la Motte, believing her to be acting on behalf of the Queen. De la Motte then sold the diamonds in several different countries, making a fortune in the process.
When the truth was discovered, the scandal rocked France. Marie Antoinette was already deeply unpopular, and the fact that she had been associated with such a scandal only made things worse. Many people believed that she had been involved in the theft of the necklace, and her reputation suffered as a result.
The Trial
De la Motte was eventually arrested and brought to trial, along with her accomplices. The trial was highly publicized and lasted for months. De la Motte maintained her innocence throughout the trial, but was eventually found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The scandal had far-reaching consequences for Marie Antoinette. It further damaged her reputation and contributed to the growing discontent amongst the French people. The events of the Affair Of The Necklace played a significant role in the lead up to the French Revolution, which ultimately resulted in the downfall of the monarchy.
The Legacy
The Marie Antoinette Affair Of The Necklace is still remembered today as one of the most infamous scandals in French history. It has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows. The scandal is often used as an example of the excess and extravagance that was associated with the French monarchy, and it highlights the growing discontent amongst the French people in the lead up to the Revolution.
Overall, the Affair Of The Necklace remains an important moment in history, and it serves as a reminder of the power of scandal and rumor.