Edward Matthew Ward (1816–1879)
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
In her last moments, Marie Antoinette wrote to her sister-in-law, Madame Elisabeth, with whom she had developed a close and genuine friendship over the years.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755–1842) (style of)
National Trust, Cliveden
Her only thoughts went to her children, whom she desperately wanted to protect, even after her death. 'It grieves me very sensibly to leave my poor children; you know that I existed only for them and you, my kind and affectionate sister.'
She advised, 'Let them both reflect on what I have unceasingly taught them, that virtuous principles and the exact performance of every duty, are the first basis of life; that their happiness will depend on their mutual affection and confidence.' She ended her letter with what she wanted her legacy to be: 'Let them never seek to revenge our death.' It was for her wise words and her maternal affection that Marie Antoinette wished her children to remember her.