Catacomb closure

It has just been announced that the Paris catacombs are to close for six months to allow renovations; the aim is to modernise, with better ventilation, lighting and an improved layout.

The Oath of the Horatii

An article by Shane Lewis, published in the The Collector on 27th September, presents an analysis of David's painting The Oath of the Horatii.

French Crown jewels heist

 The theft on 19th October 2025, of  the French Crown Jewels from the Galerie d'Apollon of the Louvre is making major headlines.  Whatever the final outcome of investigations, the heist is likely to go down as one of the most daring art thefts of all time....

Can Louis XX save France?

Somehow I rather doubt it  - but it makes a good newspaper story!

Marie-Antoinette portrait misidentified

According to BBC Oxford, a  portrait of Marie-Antoinette by Jean-Etienne Liotard in the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva, is now thought to show her older sister Maria Carolina (article by Ethan Gudge, dated 12.10.2025).

Marie-Antoinette's jewels

American historian and jewellery expert Lauren Kiehna publishes a post on her "Court Jeweller" blog, dated 11th October, which lists the most spectacular of the known surviving pieces which belonged to Marie-Antoinette. 

Voltaire's chair

 The Voltaire Foundation blog for 10th October features a post by Toronto research student Jennifer Franks  on Voltaire's armchair ("fauteuil mortaire") in the musée Carnavalet.

AI at Versailles

The Château de Versailles announces the result of a competition to create AI generated personalised visits. 

Le Grand Dauphin at Versailles

The Palace of Versailles presents an exhibition devoted to the Grand Dauphin, Louis de France, the eldest child of Louis XIV; to run from 14th October 2025 to 15th February 2026.

Lunéville bids for UNESCO World Heritage status

On 20th August the candidature of Lunéville in Lorraine for World Heritage status was officially forwarded to the French Ministry of Culture.  Initial reports suggest the bid is looked upon favourably. 

The Queen we love to hate?

 Yet another offering on M.-A.: Deborah Nicholls-Lee asks, Why 'the most controversial queen in history' was so hated?  BBC, 18th September. 

Women and Revolutionary prisons

 Newly published on Age of Revolutions :  Oriane Guiziou-Lamour, "Sex under the guillotine: women, prison, and the French Revolution", posted 08.08/2025.