The resting place of kings: Saint Denis

 "the wonderful and uninterrupted light of most sacred windows" - Abbot Suger

I have a keen interest in tomb sculpture and was very excited to visit Saint Denis. The French cathedral was the site of royal French tombs for centuries. It once sat outside of Paris but is now within city lines. The interior is open and spacious, and amazing light is filtered through windows.

Unfortunately photos were not allowed inside, so I can't show you too much. But some things were too good to pass by!  So I pulled out my 'art historian license' and went to work. Above are later sculptures of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and below is the tomb of Henrii II and Catherine Medici.

My personal favorite is the tomb of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne! An epitaph written for Anne runs alongside these elements as well:

“Earth, World and Heaven have divided Madame Anne, who was wife to kings Charles and Louis; Earth took the corpse that lies under this stone, World retains the fame and renown Forever enduring, and with unblemished soul So Heaven, for its part, has taken the soul.”

Tomb of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne.

The Robe à la française [Poll]

It's the Fashion!

Today I want to remind you of the enduring fashion that was the Robe à la française, which provided (along with the support of big hoop skirts) the ideal feminine shape/form of the 18th century.

Check out these four beautiful 18th century gowns. Then answer the Poll at the bottom of this post. Which Robe à la française would be in your closet?

Pink and cream Gown

  (Robe à la française), French. 1765-1770, Beige taffeta, pink satin, and cream satin stripes brocaded with a pink, green, and white floral motif, compound weave; pink, green, and beige fly fringe; cream bobbin lace edging. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Blue and Cream Gown 

 (Robe à la française), French. 1760-1770, Silk front Cream taffeta patterned with light blue, navy blue and gray serpentine floral stripe motif, lampas weave; yellow plain weave; blue and cream looped braid trim; cream twill. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Floral Gown 

(Robe à la française), French. c. 1755-60, Chinese export silk-brocaded satin, silk and silk chenille looped fringe.  Philadelphia Museum of Art

Cream Brocade Dress 

 (Robe à la Française), French. 1770, Cream silk with floral motif, lace edging and  The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Which robe à la française would be in your closet?