The Surviving Relics of Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette's relics include several personal items that have become symbols of her tragic life and death. The guillotine blade that beheaded her in 1793 is a grim reminder of the violent end of the monarchy. Another poignant relic is the heart of her son, Louis XVII, which was removed from his body after his death in prison in 1795, preserved in a jar and passed through various owners. A lock of her hair was often taken by her supporters after her execution, a common memento of famous figures at the time. Her shoes, made of luxurious materials and decorated with intricate details, represent the royal splendor she once enjoyed at Versailles.

Other preserved items include her rosary, which she carried and reportedly used for prayer during her final imprisonment, and her corset, part of the fashion she wore as queen. These items were not just symbols of her royal status but have also become historical relics, passed through collectors over the centuries. Together, they provide a glimpse into the life and death of one of history’s most famous queens.