Drawing of Marie Antoinette, about 1785, ink and color on paper, Artist unknownFrom Lofstad slott, Norrkoping, Sweden
In the eighteenth century, news of the latest fashions was disseminated by way of fashion dolls, letters and sketches. The elite classes in foreign countries often relied on diplomats and their wives to keep them abreast of the latest styles and trends.
This beautiful drawing of Marie Antoinette was sent by Count Axel Fersen, a Swedish diplomat (and reputed lover of MA) to the court of Louis XVI to his sister Sophie back in Sweden. Take note of the pouff hairstyle decorated with feathers and the equestrienne influence in her dress.