The Second Death of Marie Antoinette

Noble Blood - The Second Death of Marie Antoinette

Transcript Summary

In the podcast episode titled "The Second Death of Marie Antoinette," listeners are taken back to the chaotic and anarchic streets of Paris in 1792. The episode explores the tragic life of Marie Antoinette and her family, who lived under house arrest in the Temple. One significant event during this time was the killing of Princess de Lembald, who refused to take an oath against the queen. In a grotesque display of brutality, the princess's decapitated head was paraded and brought to Marie Antoinette's window. This incident marked the beginning of Marie Antoinette's first "death," as her life had been irrevocably altered from her days as the Dauphine of France. The episode goes on to depict the dismal conditions of Marie Antoinette's imprisonment in the Conciergerie and her diminishing hope as her husband, Louis XVI, was executed, and her son was taken away. With Marie Antoinette's deteriorating physical appearance and the accusations she faced during her trial, her second "death" seemed imminent. Despite vehemently denying accusations of sexual abuse by her son, Marie Antoinette was found guilty by an all-male jury and sentenced to death by guillotine. The episode grippingly portrays the final journey of Marie Antoinette to her execution, where she was publicly humiliated, spat on, and objects were thrown at her. In a poignant moment, her last words were an apology to the executioner for inadvertently stepping on his foot. Following her execution, Marie Antoinette's body was discarded in a mass grave. However, the story does not end there. Marie Grossholtz, who had once been a sculptor and tutor, created a wax sculpture of Marie Antoinette's head. Later known as Madame Tussaud, Grossholtz opened a renowned exhibition in England, immortalizing the once-powerful queen. This enthralling podcast episode delves into the tumultuous and ultimately tragic life of Marie Antoinette, narrating the dramatic events leading up to her execution. Listeners will be captivated by the vivid descriptions of the chaotic streets of Paris, Marie Antoinette's harrowing imprisonment, and the final journey that led to her untimely demise. Through this haunting tale, they will gain a deeper understanding of the tumultuous times of the French Revolution and the enduring legacy of Marie Antoinette as both victim and historical figure.

Transcript