Paper

Historical French document from the ledgers of the advisory of the House of the Queen, Marie Antoinette, from 1784 at the Palace of Versailles. Signed “Marie Antoinetee” by in the secretarial hand under the main body of the text. The signature is free from folds or imperfections. Other signatures include Beauvillais and Talaru, known names amongst French nobility. The document is addressed to "Premier Maitre et Maitre ordinaire de notre hotel." The Premier Maître d'hôtel was the individual in charge of the Bouche du roi, the department that oversaw the meals of the king. The Maître d'hôtel ordinaire was an officer within this department. Similar documents are housed at the Musée Carnavalet Histoire de Paris as well as the Yale Archives. Legible front text reads: “De par la Reine / Premier Maitre et Maitre ordinaire de notre hotel … Donné à Versailles sous le scel de notre … le premier / mil sept cen quatre vingt quatre / Marie Antoinette / Par La Reine.” The legible back text reads: "Enregistré Le Registrere / Du Controlle General de la Maison de La Reine."

H 12.88 in. x W 19.25 in. x D .04 in.

There are four crease lines where the document was originally folded. There are two precise cuts in the lower front right corner of the document where the seal was originally removed. Some light yellowing with age, but overall in very good condition.