Marie Antoinette, Princess 1770

This print depicts Marie Antoinette, Princess, and was made by Guillaume Phillipe Benoist. The print speaks volumes about the role of imagery in constructing and maintaining social hierarchies. Made in France during the late 18th century, this image reflects the opulence and rigid social structure of the French court. Consider the emphasis on Marie Antoinette’s noble status as Archduchess and Dauphine, visually communicated through her elaborate hairstyle and attire. These were potent symbols of wealth and power, but they also contributed to the growing resentment among the French populace who were struggling with poverty and famine. The print also speaks to the increasing circulation of images of the royal family, helping to make them into celebrities, but also rendering them vulnerable to criticism. To understand this work better, we can consult sources from the French court, political pamphlets, and records of popular culture. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.