A Pelham puppet redressed as Queen Marie antoinette

 A Pelham Puppet redressed as Queen 

Marie Antoinette in her coronation gown/robes

I decided to tackle a character that I have recreated quite a few times - only this time taking inspiration from a new portrait.

This hand-crafted portrait puppet uses a vintage Pelham Cinderella as a base. She is dressed in a supported pannier court gown, crafted from blue taffeta and trimmed with white, gold-shot organza; blue rose clusters, blue satin ribbon, imitation pearls and cut-glass gems. Her sleeves - sitting over realistically moulded arms - are created using layers of gathered lace and her bodice is fully structured/boned. On her back she wears a blue velvet, fur-edged train.

Her hair is styled in her signature high style and trimmed with taffeta, organza, ribbon, feathers and a cut glass embellishment. Her shoes are topped by satin ribbons and she sports a lace trimmed petticoat and lacy pantalets.

This piece is a recreation inspired by a famous portrait of Marie Antoinette by Madame Vigee-Lebrun's coronation portrait of the Queen, shown below.

 

She comes complete with a vintage Pelham controller and she is strung using the correct colour strings.

Marie Antoinette was an Archduchess of Austria when she was married to Louis, the dauphin of France, at the tender age of 14. Louis and Marie became King and Queen four years later and Marie Antoinette rapidly became a recognised and much simulated fashion icon. She also gained a reputation for extravagance and vanity, both of which were traits which unfortunately and unfairly stuck as she gained maturity and a greater love for elegant simplicity as the years passed. 

The Revolution exploded in Paris in 1789 and after the storming of the Palace of Versailles the the Royal Family were driven back to the capital as virtual prisoners. After a failed escape they were housed even more securely, leading to the King's execution - as a traitor to the people - in 1793. Soon it was Marie Antoinette's turn and she was brought to trial, being accused of treachery; spying for Austria, as well as several other horrible and untrue crimes. She was driven to the Guillotine several months after her husbands death. She died bravely and in great dignity, her last words being a gracious apology to the executioner after she accidently trod on his foot when she stumbled.

Created by Alexander Sanderson Designs