Online conversation

Mercy-Argenteau, in the shadow of Marie-Antoinette

Portrait of Marie-Anoinette, attributed to Martin van Meytens, circa 1787-1788, Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria.jpg Full

Have you heard of Claude-Florimond, Count of Mercy-Argenteau (1727-1794), an Austrian diplomat close to Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793)?

This online conversation will be broadcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris.

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.

Speakers:
Paul Paradis, Art Historian, Decorative Arts and Jewelry Specialist, Teacher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
Léonard Pouy, Art Historian PhD and Teacher-Researcher at L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

Join us to discover the career of this privileged witness to the former regime. 

English Session 
Thursday February 29th at 2am (Hong Kong time)

LINK

English session with simultaneous translations in Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese
Thursday February 29th at 7pm (Hong Kong time)

LINK

French session
Friday March 1st at 2:30am (Hong Kong time)

Link

 

This online conversation will be broadcast from L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris.

Online Conversation

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.

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