Versailles and more: Recent Comments

Comment on Madame Henriette, daughter of Louis XV

Catherine Delors — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:38:30 GMT

Thanks so much for the link, Richard! I was thinking of you while writing about the Spanish Bourbons and their distrust of the ambitions of the Orleans branch... The head at the scroll could indeed be Louis XV, or possibly the Queen or some allegory of music. The ribbon looks a sort of lilac color. I love this portrait anyway.

Comment on Madame Henriette, daughter of Louis XV

Richard — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:15:11 GMT

I will try and place a redirect in my blog to this article, you always have such good stories about the family.

Is the bust at the top of the scroll Louis XV. That would explain the white cravat... (though it looks grey).

Vive le Roy!

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Catherine Delors — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:29:54 GMT

Nope, Carol. No idea whether it goes beyond the standard coffee-table book fare. I have too many books on my to-buy list:, in particular:

Derrière la façade : Vivre au château de Versailles au XVIIIe siècle

and

La Petite Cour : Services et serviteurs à la Cour de Versailles au XVIIIe siècle

both by William Ritchey Newton.

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Parisbreakfasts — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:05:10 GMT

Intereseting..have you had a chance to see this new Brit book on Versailles' architectural history Catherine? There's an exerpt on Amazon, yet only one mention of Fouquet in the index :(

Versailles: A Biography of a Palace
by Tony Spawforth

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Catherine Delors — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:21:47 GMT

Thank you, Carlyn! I know the book you mean: Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden of Versailles. I bought it and will post a review before the end of the month. It's beautiful.

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Carlyn Beccia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:46:13 GMT

ahh beautiful post. Makes me wish it was not so cold. Say, If you like gardening, there is a new book out on Marie Antoinette's gardens. I can't remember the name of it.

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Catherine Delors — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:53:34 GMT

Judith - Yes, don't we need our daily dose of beauty?

Carol - I would love to see your hydrangea watercolors. Agreed, the diamond is gorgeous. Empress Eugenie later wore it as part of a hair ornament. Picture it in her beautiful auburn locks...

Comment on Sir Anthony Van Dyck, gentleman-paynter

Catherine Delors — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:40:05 GMT

I agree too, Felio. Carol has a great visual sense and I recommend her blog, if you haven't visited it yet

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Parisbreakfasts — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:09:34 GMT

Excellent to get all this background on the hortencia/hydrangeas! I'm late to appreciate it's beauty but it is such fun to paint the layered flowerettes. I didn't know acidity could change it's color? And the diamond is to die for!!!
merci Catherine

Comment on Hydrangeas, Queen Hortense, hortensias

Judith — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:41:17 GMT

What a lovely post! Thank you for the dose of beauty & glam for the day! Just wonderful!
Judith~