Bearded German Iris
The vibrant color of the flame-shaped iris flower was present in several different forms at the Trianon gardens. The national symbol of France, the fleur-de-lys, is actually a version of a German iris tying it to French nationalism, making it an obvious choice for the gardens of the Queen. The iris was also used to lend a violet scent, of which Marie-Antoinette was quite fond.
© Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Dist. RMN / image du MNHN, bibliothèque centrale, Redouté Pierre Joseph (1759-1840)
Tuberose
The soft, white petals of the tuberose and its tantalizing scent were thought to evoke sensuality and passion. The flower, which originated in Mexico but was widely present in France at the time, was thought to evoke such strong feelings that young couples were warned not walk through tuberose fields at night. Marie-Antoinette had such an air of attractiveness to her that her perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon, used tuberose sparingly.
© Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Dist. RMN / image du MNHN, bibliothèque centrale, Redouté Pierre Joseph (1759-1840)
Carnation
In paintings from Renaissance and medieval times, carnations were often associated with marriage. For Marie-Antoinette, they were present at some of the highest and lowest moments of her life. Ordered from Spain, carnations were planted at Petit Trianon, and the flowers were also used to perfume the Queen’s gloves. As the French Revolution unfolded and Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned, a noble conveyed a secret message to her about her escape, concealed between the petals of the carnation. (This plan would later prove futile.)
© Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Dist. RMN / image du MNHN, bibliothèque centrale
Wood Violet
During this period, queens often set the tone for fashion and trends, and Marie-Antoinette was unquestionably among the greatest influencers. Fargeon crafted special violet-scented products to be branded "a la reine." Violet then became hugely popular, used as an ingredient in everything from jams to salads. Along with roses, violets were said to be the Queen’s favorite flowers.
© Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Dist. RMN / image du MNHN, bibliothèque centrale, Turpin Pierre Jean François (1775-1840)
Orange
The proverbially high maintenance orange trees had a large presence at Petit Trianon and occupied a prominent place in the gardens. They were shipped to Versailles in a fully-grown state from coastal cities in Italy and France. Orange water was also reportedly used to calm the Queen’s nerves during times of stress. Marie-Antoinette would customarily present Petit Trianon’s oranges to her family, including the King, as well as close friends and staff upon their blossoming each year.
© Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Dist. RMN / image du MNHN, bibliothèque centrale
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