A Royal Correspondence
"Marie-Antoinette's Mother's Harsh Correspondence": Examining the Verbal Abuse of Marie-Antoinette by Her Mother
In a world where politics and family ties intertwined, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and her daughter, Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, maintained a unique bond. From the dusty roads of Gunzburg to the opulent halls of Versailles, their relationship was a complex dance between a mother's concern and a daughter's ambition.
Beginning on April 21, 1770, when the 14-year-old Marie Antoinette left Vienna, the empress and the dauphine were connected only by their correspondence. As the empress entrusted her daughter with a vast list of urgent instructions, she demanded obedience and meekness, even thousands of miles apart.
Maria Theresa, born in 1717, was more than just a political leader. She was a formidable figure, a single-minded ruler who governed her vast empire with an iron fist. Fear of her was the name of the game, as much as her charisma and robust figure clad in perpetual mourning after the death of her husband, Emperor Francis I, in 1765. For Maria Theresa, individuality held little importance in the face of political alliances and the preservation of her empire.
Marie Antoinette, the guarantee of a marital union that Empress Maria-Theresa desired wholeheartedly, became a pawn in a game intended to crown the rapprochement between Austria and France and put an end to centuries of rivalry. To keep an eye on the young queen, Maria-Theresa demanded constant updates, using Count de Mercy-Argenteau, the Austrian ambassador in Paris since 1766, as a secret liaison. Mercy's two letters - the "open report," of little interest, and the "secret report" (tibi soli), containing everything from the dauphine's activities to advice on her conduct - were read with great attention by the empress.
The letters, exchanged through trusted couriers using the official postal network, reveal the empress's obsession with securing an heir. Maria Theresa believed that the Dauphin's continued presence hinged on the production of a son, which would not only secure the young couple's nuptial bond but also stabilize the political structure her mother had spent years building.
Maria Theresa's letters to her daughter blended tones, from the harshest anger to emotional blackmail in the name of maternal love. She scolded her daughter for her involvement in the royal family's squabbles, condemned her countless reckless behaviors and pastimes, and spoke of her love and loyalty. Despite the tensions, Marie Antoinette always felt a mix of emotions towards her mother - a blend of fear, love, and admiration.
Here is the first letter young Marie Antoinette received from her imperial mother during her journey to Versailles:
May 4, 1770
My Dearest Daughter, you are now where Providence has willed for you to live. Remember above all: this marriage makes you the happiest of your sisters and all the princesses in the world. In King [Louis XV] you will find a tender father who will also become your friend if you earn it. Trust him completely, you have nothing to fear. Love him, listen to him, try to anticipate his thoughts - no effort on your part can now be too much. It is this assurance in your father and friend that consoles me, dispels my melancholy, and alleviates my pain, as I am certain that you will follow the advice to rely solely on him and await his commands and guidance first. I will say no more about the Dauphin, you know my delicacy on this matter; a woman in all things submits to her husband and should have no other occupation than to strive to please him and fulfill his will. The only true happiness in this world is a successful marriage; should I not know this? In marriage, all depends on the woman, on whether she will be kind, tender, and cheerful.
Even as far as Gunzburg, from where I received the latest news today, everyone is unanimous in their praise of your affability and attention, but especially your gentleness, which wins all hearts. Avoid any familiarity - it would not be flattering, as it is too commonly encountered, but show kindness, for that is what draws and encourages everyone. I recommend, dear daughter, that you reread my instructions on the 21st of every month. I implore you to heed my advice on this matter; my only fear for you is that you may neglect prayer and reading, which could lead to indifference towards study and laziness. Resist these temptations, for even greater vices and imperfections hold less danger; we shall discuss this further in the future. Cherish your family, show kindness to your aunts, brothers-in-law, and sisters. Do not tolerate any offenses: you have the power to silence others, or at least avoid their company if necessary. If you value your peace, be cautious from the start of situations I fear, knowing your curiosity. Deliver this letter to the king on my behalf; speak of me to him as often as you can, and continually remind him of my feelings. Also, show this letter to Madame Adelaide [one of Louis XV's daughters]. The king's daughters are filled with virtues and talents, which is a great advantage for you; I hope you can earn their friendship. The Shuazelys should know that I have recommended you to them. Do not forget the Durforts and Father Vermon. Do not forget me, who, though far away, will care for you until my last breath. I bless you and remain your devoted mother forever.
As Marie Antoinette navigated the treacherous waters of the French court, her relationship with her mother served both as a guide and a burden, a tether that kept her grounded amidst the whirlwind of politics and intrigue. The empress's death in 1780 left Marie Antoinette feeling utterly lost, but the letters they exchanged remain a priceless account of the 18th century.
- The complex bond between Empress Maria Theresa and her daughter, Marie Antoinette, transcended politics and family dynamics, extending into their relationship, fashion-and-beauty choices, and even their individual roles in pop-culture.
- In the realm of entertainment, the correspondence between the empress and her daughter was as captivating as any celebrity gossip, offering insight into their relationships and the dynamics of the royal family.
- As policy-and-legislation decisions hinged on their strategic marriage, the empress constantly advised her daughter on maintaining a harmonious relationship with her husband, Dauphin, and the French king.
- Their unique correspondence delved into general-news of the time, revealing Maria Theresa's concerns over Marie Antoinette's behavior and the preservation of their family's status in the face of political rivalries.
- Amidst the turmoil of the French court, Marie Antoinette's relationship with her mother served as both a fashion-and-beauty and political guide, shaping her lifestyle choices and decisions in the broader context of 18th-century politics and the entertainment world.
