Seduction and power, the coquettish exhibition at the museum of the Domaine royal de Marly

The museum of the Royal Estate of Marly, reopened in 2020, dives into the backstage of history and reveals the little secrets of power of the coquettish women of the 17th and 18th centuries. From April 14 to August 27, 2023, discover the art of getting ready at court, during the exhibition"Seduction and Power", in the heart of the little-known estate where Louis XIV invited his most loyal courtesans, away from the others. Among the paintings, sculptures, drawings and furniture of the permanent exhibition, admire a hundred exceptional fashion and beauty accessories, witnesses of a time when appearance was the key word.

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Between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XVI, Versailles and then Paris competed for the title of fashion capital. Forced by etiquette and court ceremonial to find ways to stand out from the crowd, people adorned themselves with numerous artifices: wigs, make-up, jewels, perfumes, lace, fans, and objects of pocket and gallantry. Even the gestures and the attitudes answer to codes and morals, which change with the passing of time.Appearance was therefore a key point in the hope of gaining the king's favor and attesting to one's rank.

Embroidery, brooches, blushes, flies, and even perfumes are essential for the nobility and those who live at court. Every adornment is scrutinized by peers, and women show great imagination to stand out, even more than men. Who will be the most refined? And the most ostentatious? So much effort to hope to seduce the king or other wealthy aristocrat, and thus gain power in society. Ready to dive into the intrigues of the court?

Visit the royal estate of Marly, the family home of Louis XIV
Marly was a pleasure residence of the Sun King, 7 km from Versailles, where only a select few had the privilege of being received. Although the château has now been demolished, the magnificent estate remains open to visitors, and a museum offers a chance to relive the atmosphere of Marly over the years and the kings who frequented it! [Read more]