Marie De Fête… Day One…Marie Antoinette at the Theater…
Bon Jour! Welcome to Marie De fête. I am so glad you came to visit us! My surprise guests and I have been very busy working on our presentations for the event. You will enjoy two or more each day and at different times to also include readers from other parts of the world. Let’s get Marie De fête started.
We are going to start this Holiday inspired event at the Theater. Marie Antoinette loved it! Marie Antoinette was exposed to theater performances during her childhood in Vienna.
Empress Maria Theresa regarded the theatre as a source of amusement and national pride. The Archduchess of Austria learned how to act in preparation for her marriage to the Dauphin of France, the future Louis XVI.
Her mother, Empress Maria Theresa, surrounded her by French actors in order to improve her French pronunciation. And this is how the Queen of France learned French.
The Petit Théâtre de la Reine was built for her in 1778-79 by architect Richard Mique. It is beautifully decorated in blue, white and gold recalling the Opera de Versailles. Although smaller since it has capacity only for one hundred spectators.
It has a big stage, blue hangings and gold-embroidered silk taffeta curtain. The floor is painted in tromple l’oeil resembling marble and is decorated with papier-mâché {pasteboard} sculptures.
Marie Antoinette had plays by very well known authors at the time such as Michel-Jean Sedane, who was a French librettist and dramatist.
Also Jean Jaques-Rosseau, a novelist who wrote a play, two operas and made great contributions to music as a theorist. Marie Antoinette even had “The Marriage of Figaro” at The Petit Théâtre de la Reine by Beaumarchais played at the Petit Trianon!
I highly recommend the Chateau Versailles here for a fabulous virtual tour! But now let’s learn a little more about The Petit Théâtre de la Reine. This is a great informative clip I found that explains how it’s decorated. It’s in French.
Marie Antoinette have inspired many artists with her fabulous style and taste. Let me introduce you now to Tristan Robin Blakeman, a quilt/mixed media artist who makes the most amazing mini-theaters. Here are some of his fabulous and detailed pieces. He uses exquisite embellishments!
Tristan’s statement:
“Sparkle! Shimmer! Glimmer! Gleam!
I’m an ex-theatre director (and sometimes-actor), who has traversed to the world of visual arts via an almost accidental career in art quilting. Although I still make the occasional art quilt, I am immersed in mixed media collage, assemblage, paper art, and vintage treasures which I can both alter and use as altering embellishments.
I love vintage images and antique books. I love to find enchanting items from turn-of-the-century Paris and funky trash from mid-century Hollywood. I love vintage papers and ephemera. I also love experimenting with paper art and using a variety of antiques and products and techniques. But most of all, I love taking these items and assembling them together to create work which speaks to the heart and to the eye”.
~ Tristan Robin Blakeman ~
Tristan writes a very interesting blog named “Enchanted Revelry” read here. Visit his website here. I know…you are probably waiting for information on where to find his work…I am warning you…you won’t be able to choose from his fabulous mini-theaters here.
Remember to return later today for another post on a new Marie inspired surprise…Marie De Fête Day One.
The Marie De Fête – Surprise Giveaway will be reveal anytime!
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After a very busy week, I finally arrived here, but I did want to come when i had the time to enjoy!
Great work Tristan! The theatre is so beautiful, I have been to Versailles, but I missed this too! Thanks to Miss Delworth and you my life is complete now
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Let’s try this again….Tristan is great! He is my favorite mixed media artist and thank you for featuring the best of the best! My dear sister-in-law is going to have her work displayed tomorrow; I can’t wait! Anita
P.S. GREAT WORK TRISTAN and the dear Marie Antoinette!
I LOVE TRISTAN. He is my favorite mixed media artist and he is a great person. His work is exquisite and I am so happy to see his work on your fabulous blog!
Very cool! I love Trsitan’s work! I don’t own a theater yet, but I have a crown he made for me in a swap! Becs
I’ve know Tristan for a long time and everything he does has meticulous detail. He is not only a fine artist, but an exceptionally fine human being as well.
It shows through his work.
Wonderful to see this feature.
Ooooh La La!!!! Tristan is just too talented for words and I really enjoyed all your information about Marie’s theatre. She really loved that theatre and I hope one day to see it in person – until then, thanks for sharing all this wonderful information. ~ xo Joy
The attention to detail is perfect. The details create a sumptuous feel to this piece. Beautiful art, Tristan!
Nancy
Hello,
This theater is just spectacular…I am glad you liked it.
~ Gabriela ~
Tristan’s theatres are gorgeous.
When I went to Versailles Marie Antoinette’s theatre was only open for those on special tours. The rest of us were able to just look through a narrow door. It is like a beautiful jewel box. No pictures were allowed, but I purchased a post card showing the details and luscious materials.
Lorrie
What an informative post! Can you believe after visiting Versailles and Petit Trianon five times, I’ve never seen the theatre?! I loved the video clip – I picked up some of what he said, but my French isn’t good enough to catch everything. I wish they had subtitled it!
Thank you so much for featuring my ‘toinette mini-theatre on the first day of your fab festival of all things holiday and Marie! I’m flattered beyond words – and appreciative.
I am looking forward to the coming posts and events and artists – it’s an exciting event you’ve planned!
Tristan
Hi Gabriela,
What a wonderful post, and I just love Tristan’s theater, it is gorgeous. I loved learning about the theatre and your video was great too.
Karen
This piece is magnificent!!! Tristan did an outstanding job. The theater is so ornate. I just love it.
XXOO Marie Antionette