Marie Antoinette Sacrifices the Heart of the Nobility on the Altar of the French Republic

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Marie Antoinette Sacrifices the Heart of the Nobility on the Altar of the French Republic

Object NameTableau

Maker Pierre Haly

Made FromGlass, Enamel, Wood, Gilding

Dateabout 1790

Place MadeFrance, Nevers

TechniqueLampworked, assembled, enameling, gilding

SizeOverall H: 22.5 cm, W: 28.2 cm, D: 21.2 cm

Accession Number2003.3.35

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

On ViewEuropean Gallery

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

This group was probably commissioned by a supporter of the French royal family. It was made one year after the beginning of the revolution.

Physical DescriptionOpaque white glass; lampworked, enameled, assembled, with gilded wooden base. The scene depicts Marie-Antoinette sacrificing her heart on the alter of the state within the ruins of a Greek temple. The figure of Marie-Antoinette carries her winged golden heart in her right hand, with her left hand out to her side, and walks towards a small decorated alter where two golden hearts are sitting. She is surrounded by a number of broken columns and architectural elements. In the back are two complete columns supporting a lintel with illegible text. Near the alter on the right are three small white birds, two books lying to the left, and a small seated cherub figure holding a shield with a design of the Royal monogram. Various small plants are depicted throughout the scene and the ground is made up of numerous broken and ground glass pieces and bits representing gravel and stone. The entire scene sits on a footed gilded base with a plaque on the front center. See Inscriptions for exact wording.
Provenance

Source L'Hermite Sylvie-King - 2003-02-28

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