A Short Biography

 Full Name: Marie Antonia Josephina Johanna  Born: November 2, 1755  Mother: Empress Maria Theresa  Father: Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor  Religion: Holy Roman Catholic  Hometown: Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria  Education: Home tutors, she learned the basics only; considered not well educated  Betrothed: Dauphin of France Louis-Auguste  This was to unite the two countries and prevent war  She was 12 and he 14

 When she was handed over to France she was assigned friends to help her in the new court  The Duchess of Noailles was her house mistress  Les Mesdames were the Royal auntes  Louis Stainislas – brother in law  Charles Philipe – brother in law  Madame Elisabeth – Sister in-law  Comptess de Barry – Louis’ mistress  Louis Auguste XV – The King of France/ husband  Princesse de Lambelle – Her good friend of the court  Yolande de Polastron – fun-loving friend  Duchess de Polignac – governess of the royal children  Comptess de Provence – a good advisor  Christophe Wilbald Gluc – a good advisor

 It took 7 years for the couple to consummate their marriage  They did like each other very much  They were very young when they were married (13 & 15)  Louis was very involved in his hobbies like lock and key making and hunting  To avoid the mockery of her mother and the court that she was not yet a mother a young Marie took up gambling and was constantly shopping for expensive clothing

 Favourite Food: Because she had to eat her lunch and dinner in public – which she hated – she much preferred her breakfast foods  Favourite Books: She is noted that she did not like books as she found them tedious to sit and read  Favourite Music: Francois Couperin, Joseph Haydn, Antoine de Lhoier, Francois-Andre Dancienne Phildor  Favourite Plays: One Thousand and One Nights,