The Countess du Barry and Marie-Antoinette: tensions at Versailles!

2024-02-28T04:13:26.279Z

Highlights: Virginie Girod tells you about the rivalry between Jeanne du Barry and Marie-Antoinette. The story of Jeanne Bécu is that of incredible social ascension. She was born in 1743 into a working class environment. The beautiful Jeanne becomes the darling of all Paris and soon, the count introduces her to Versailles. This is the best way to obtain the sovereign's favor for him and his friends. If Marie Antoinette were to be repudiated, it would be the end of the alliance between Austria and France!

It is the story of two women who are completely opposite, whose paths cross in Versailles at the twilight of the reign of Louis XV. The first, the king's favorite, is an upstart; the second, the dauphine, is an aristocrat. In a previously unpublished story, Virginie Girod tells you about the rivalry between Jeanne du Barry and Marie-Antoinette. The story of Jeanne Bécu is that of incredible social ascension. She was born in 1743 into a working class environment. The only thing Jeanne has to try to escape her condition is her beauty. Jeanne meets the Count du Barry, a libertine aristocrat. The beautiful Jeanne becomes the darling of all Paris and soon, the count introduces her to Versailles, hoping that she will become the mistress of Louis XV. This is the best way to obtain the sovereign's favor for him and his friends. The heart of Louis XV is free, he has just lost his friend Madame de Pompadour. Du Barry quickly gains great influence over the king... and makes many enemies at court, who despise his commoner origins. Marie-Antoinette, for her part, was born in 1755 in Vienna. She is one of the last born of Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria. Her marriage with the Dauphin of France, the future Louis XVI, was partly organized by the Duke of Choiseul who wanted to strengthen ties with Austria, to better oppose England. However, Choiseul hates Jeanne du Barry, just like the daughters of Louis XV. Marie-Antoinette is too young to understand the games of influence. She therefore also resents the favorite and never speaks to her. This uncomfortable situation plunges the king into embarrassment: she has affection for the Dauphine, but he has even more for his mistress. And if Marie Antoinette were to be repudiated, it would be the end of the alliance between Austria and France! Themes covered: Louis XV, Versailles, Louis XV, Marie Antoinette,