Fabled queen of Louis XVI of France (1755–1793) whose public execution, along with that of her husband, was the most grisly, visible, and powerful symbol of the political aims of the French Revolution. DS, in French, signed “payez Marie Antoinette,” one page, 9.25 x 14, May 6, 1786. Marie orders a payment of seventy-two livres to Martin Grangnes, a royal servant described as “Second garçon e souriere.” Marie and Louis’ second daughter and youngest child, Sophie Béatrix, was born two months later, on July 9; she would die in the following year. 1786 also marked the conclusion of the sordid “Affair of the Necklace,” in which Marie was suspected of scheming to purchase a ridiculously extravagant piece of jewelry without attracting public notice. Though she was most likely a mere pawn in an elaborate con job, her perceived role in the scandal only added to the ever-growing discontent with the French monarchy, which culminated in the execution of Marie and Louis in 1793. Framed and matted with an antique color print to an overall size of 24.5 x 22. In fine condition, with mild toning and soiling, faint scattered spotting, folds, and “Bibliotheque Lindesiana” library ink stamp to lower right corner. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
