The Affair Of The Necklace Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was the Queen of France during the late 18th century, and she was known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant taste. Unfortunately, her love for luxury led to one of the biggest scandals in French history, known as the Affair of the Necklace. This scandal involved a necklace that was meant for the Queen, but that ended up causing a great deal of trouble for everyone involved.
The Necklace
The necklace in question was made up of 647 diamonds, and it was commissioned by a jeweler named Charles Boehmer. He had hoped that the necklace would be purchased by King Louis XV for his mistress, Madame du Barry, but the King died before the necklace could be completed. Boehmer was left with a very expensive piece of jewelry that he couldn't sell, so he turned to the new Queen, Marie Antoinette, to see if she would be interested in purchasing it.
The Scandal
Marie Antoinette declined to purchase the necklace, but that didn't stop one of her courtiers, Jeanne de la Motte, from getting her hands on it. De la Motte convinced Boehmer that the Queen had changed her mind and wanted the necklace after all, and she began selling off the diamonds piece by piece. When Boehmer finally realized that he had been swindled, he went to the Queen to demand payment. Marie Antoinette, who had never wanted the necklace in the first place, was outraged and had de la Motte arrested.
The Trial
The Affair of the Necklace became a huge scandal, and it was widely reported in the press. De la Motte was put on trial, and she claimed that she had been acting on behalf of the Queen. This claim was unfounded, and Marie Antoinette was furious that her name was being dragged through the mud. De la Motte was eventually found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, but the scandal had already done its damage.
The Aftermath
The Affair of the Necklace had far-reaching consequences for both Marie Antoinette and the French monarchy. It further damaged the Queen's already tarnished reputation, and it fueled the public's resentment towards her and her extravagant spending. It also highlighted the corruption and decadence of the French court, which would ultimately contribute to the outbreak of the French Revolution. The Affair of the Necklace may have been a small incident in the grand scheme of things, but it had a significant impact on French history.
Conclusion
The Affair of the Necklace is a fascinating story that offers a glimpse into the opulent world of 18th-century France. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and excess, and it serves as a reminder that even the most powerful people can fall victim to scandal and intrigue. The Affair of the Necklace may be a footnote in history, but it's a story that continues to captivate and intrigue people to this day.
