Why is Melania Trump Being Compared to Marie-Antoinette?
The former Queen of France’s name started trending as soon as the White House announced plans to renovate the Rose Garden
Melania Trump is being compared to Marie-Antoinette because many believe her decision to refresh the Rose Garden is tone-deaf.
A trait that defines the royal who is infamous for dismissing the concerns of the starving population.
The perceived lack of compassion and humility shown by both women has enraged the citizens of their respective countries.
In this article, I will look at the three common points they share then see if it is indeed correct to compare the two women.
1. Their love of gardens
Marie-Antoinette enjoyed spending time in the Petit Trianon. A small palace near Versailles as she wanted to escape the pressure of the royal court.
She wanted to create her own corner of paradise and have an Anglo-Oriental Garden.
Melania Trump drew the ire of many when she announced plans to refresh the White House Rose Garden.
The First Lady felt that an upgrade was needed as the last one happened during the Kennedy’s presidency.
2. Their clothes create a stir
The painting of “Marie-Antoinette en chemise” by Louise Elizabeth Vigée Lebrun caused an uproar in 1783.
The critics hated the fact that the former Queen of France wore a simple cotton dress. It was deemed too risqué and inappropriate for a royal.
Melania Trump wore a Dolce and Gabbana coat covered in floral embellishments during the G7 (A summit of leaders from seven countries) in Italy.
Many people were shocked by the price tag (51 thousand dollars) and thought it was highly offensive to wear such a costly attire at this serious event.
3. Their controversial quips
Marie-Antoinette is believed to have responded “Let them eat cake” when a large crowd was screaming for bread.
Melania Trump shocked many when she wore the now infamous Zara jacket. She was in her way to visit children in cages at the Border.
“I really don’t care, do you?” is now often used whenever she makes an announcement.
“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives” (Michelle Obama)
The two women made an impact in people’s lives but it certainly isn’t a positive one.
They have many similarities but if we take a closer look, differences start to emerge.
Marie-Antoinette was known to love nature. Architect Richard Mique created a rustic retreat with a functioning farm in the ground of the Petit Trianon.
Mrs Trump has never shown any interest in nature or gardening before her big announcement. She should not be surprised if people question her motives.
Regarding the clothes, it is interesting to note that Marie-Antoinette set tongues wagging with a simple cotton dress whereas Melania Trump had to wear a flashy and expensive coat to get attention.
She has the right to wear whatever she wants but when you represent your country on official visits, this expensive and flashy coat sends a terrible message.
When we look at the controversial sentences associated with the two women, only one is 100 percent correct.
Historians have long argued that the former Queen of France has never uttered “Let them eat cake”.
The whole world saw Melania Trump with the jacket. The quip is according to her husband, a jibe at the media!
Conclusion
In this article, I compared Melania Trump and Marie-Antoinette on three topics, garden, fashion and controversial quips.
In a surprising twist, Marie-Antoinette emerges as being more decent than Melania Trump!
It is never a good sign to look worse than the controversial Queen. Mrs Trump should pay attention to the mood of the population or else…
If you want to read more about the Rose Garden, click on the link below. Thank you