Friday, October 24, 2008

Out of the Vault: Marie Antoinette's Dress


Marie Antoinette's dress has been on display at the Royal Ontario Museum for the past two weeks. It was supposed to go back into the vault tomorrow but the response has been so great that they've extended the display until November 16, 2008.

When I saw the ad in the Globe & Mail newspaper, I cringed. They advertise this dress as having been "worn by the 18th century French queen, Marie Antoinette". If you've been following my blog postings, you will know that this is not a certainty. This dress may or may not have belonged to Marie Antoinette. They do know that the gown was altered to remove the paniers. I also believe that the bodice was altered as well as it is too plain and the neckline too high for the style of the period. Judge for yourself, visit the Royal Ontario Museum before November 16th.

Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca
100 Queen's Park Circle (Avenue Road & University Avenue), Toronto