MERCY-ARGENTEAU, IN THE SHADOW OF MARIE-ANTOINETTE

Have you heard of Claude-Florimond, Count of Mercy-Argenteau (1727-1794), an Austrian diplomat close to Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793)? Negotiator of her marriage to the future Louis XVI, the ambassador was the sovereign's confidant. This status enabled him to witness first-hand the ups and downs of court life.

Appointed ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire in Paris in 1766, the Count of Mercy-Argenteau moved into a private mansion on the Grands Boulevards, to which he gave his name. Listed as a historical monument, this 18th century building now houses the second Paris campus of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts. What better place to discover the incredible story of this diplomat, closely linked to that of Marie-Antoinette?

Although he reported to Empress Maria Theresa on her daughter's daily life, the Count of Mercy-Argenteau saw himself as a mentor to her. He also introduced her to the music he loved. When Marie-Antoinette's reputation was compromised, the ambassador had a front-row seat. Such is the case with the so-called Affair of the Diamond Necklace, one of the most incredible swindles in history. In 1791, when the sovereign was imprisoned, she turned to the loyal diplomat to entrust her case of diamonds to him.

Join us on February 28 and 29 to discover the career of this privileged witness to the former regime.

With Paul Paradis, Art Historian, Decorative Arts and Jewelry Specialist, Teacher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts & Léonard Pouy, Art Historian, Content & Transmission Manager at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.

English session
Wednesday February 28th at 7pm (Paris time)

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English session with simultaneous translations in Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese
Thursday February 29th at 12pm (Paris time)

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French session
Thursday February 29th at 7:30 pm (Paris time)

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Photo: Portrait of Marie-Antoinette, attributed to Martin van Meytens, circa 1787-1788, Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Developed by the teams at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts to offer a new look at the world of jewelry, these online talks bring together two experts for a 45-50 minute conversation that is followed by a Q&A session during which you may submit your questions by instant messaging.

Should you wish to learn more, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts will send you a detailed bibliography following the event.

These talks are held in French and English and simultaneously interpreted in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese. You will also find them available for viewing on YouTube at your leisure once the event has come to a close.

Participating in these conversations hosted by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts allows you to join a community of curious enthusiasts eager to discover and learn.