Tatiana's Tea Room

Ange-Jacques Gabriel: Louis XV's Premier Architect

2011-11-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ange-Jacques Gabriel by Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Ange-Jacques Gabriel (October 23, 1698 – January 4, 1782) was born into a family of great architects, succeeding his father, Jacques Gabriel, as the premier architect of France in 1742.

During his tenure he oversaw the transition from the ornate Rococo period to the order & simplicity of Neoclassicism driven by the belief that progress depends upon reason and discipline.

His love of symmetry and classical proportion is reflected in many of his creations from the minute French Pavilion (completed 1750) to the enormous Château de Versailles (including extensive palace renovations starting in 1735 & the addition of the Royal Opera 1769-1770).

For me, one of the many delights of re-creating his buildings are discovering the false doors which have been placed "just so" to maintain the symmetrical appearance of a room. Equally fascinating are the "secret" doors that are blended into the walls for the same reason. I stumbled upon this technique for the first time while constructing The Billard Room of the Petit Trianon.

The Château de Compiègne seen from the garden (Wikipedia)

His major works included the Château de Compiègne (1750+) and a number of hôtels particuliers in the Place de la Concorde.

The Petit Trianon (1762-1768) is perhaps his most celebrated achievement.

Académie Royale de Musique: November 2011

2011-11-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Académie Royale de Musique in conjunction with the Duché de Coeur is pleased to present the following events for November 2011.

November 06: Elvera Lerner with a Julie Andrews Tribute
November 06: SaraMarie Philly
November 06: Adevina Citron
November 06: WaltKeys Faith

November 11: Adevina Citron
November 11: Chris Fredrikkson

November 12: Lauren Ilo
November 12: The Balladeer
November 12: Tukso Okey

November 13: Benski Korhonen

November 20: Lauren Ilo

November 26: SaraMarie Philly
November 26: Lauren Ilo
November 26: The Balladeer
November 26: Kitty Zeddmore
November 26: Benski Korhonen

November 27: Yuki Hutchinson

Please follow the links for detailed information including times & SL® locations

Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion SL

2011-10-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

The French Pavilion - My SL Virtual Rendition

As recounted in my post regarding the real life (RL) version, (Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion RL) the French Pavilion (le pavillon français) was designed by the Louis XV’s chief architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the instigation of Madame Pompadour. This miniature palace was intended as a summer gaming room with an attached salon frais or summer dining room. Thirty years later, Marie Antoinette would also use it for private concerts given by lantern light.

My virtual re-creation of the French Pavilion for Second Life ® was true labour of love. It took me almost three months to painstakingly create the textures and to piece together all of those 45 degree angled walls!

The floor plan is as close to the original as was practical for Second Life ®. I did take some liberties with the one room which is supposed to be divided by an interior wall to create a separate wash closet and café as it was just too small a space to be useful. I also substituted a lighter rendition of the inlaid marble floor as the original seemed just too dark for my modern taste (my apologies to Gabriel!).

The paneled walls for the kitchen and café are based on the actual panels in the Salon of the Petit Trianon while the ceiling textures, with their cherubs, are a flight of fancy.

The French Pavilion is open to the public, please feel free drop by and visit at Le Jardin Français of the Petit Trianon. If you would like to own your own SL copy, it is available to purchase at the site inworld or on the Second Life Marketplace at TTR-The French Pavilion.

Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion RL

2011-10-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

The French Pavilion 2009. Photo by Stefan of ArchitectDesign™

The French Pavilion (le pavillon français) which now stands as the central gem of the Petit Trianon’s formal French Gardens was actually completed in 1750, a few years prior to the building of the Petit Trianon itself.

The French Pavilion 2009. Photo by Stefan of ArchitectDesign™

Designed by the Louis XV’s chief architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the instigation of Madame Pompadour this miniature palace was intended as a summer gaming/dining room. Thirty years later, Marie Antoinette would also use it for private concerts given by lantern light.

The main salon is octagonal with an inlaid marble floor and is surrounded by four cabinets in a cruciform arrangement. The walls are gilded with cherubs highlighting each entrance. Cherubs & birds are also featured on the circular cornice which is supported by eight Corinthian columns. Four arched French doors provide light, exterior views and access

French Pavilion Floor Plan from Views and Plans of the Petit Trianon at Versailles

The cabinets are each unique according to their purpose. Three of the cabinets (boudoir, café & wash closet and antichamber) can be entered from the main salon. The fourth cabinet, originally the kitchen and therefore the domain of the staff, is partitioned off from main salon. Each cabinet contains two exterior French doors as well as a set of casement windows.

I had an absolutely wonderful time studying and then re-creating this magical pavilion in Second Life® as you can see in Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion SL.

I was inspired and aided by Stefan's The French Pavilion as well as Views and Plans of the Petit Trianon Versailles and Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles.

Académie Royale de Musique: October 2011

2011-10-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Académie Royale de Musique in conjunction with the Duché de Coeur is pleased to present the following events for October 2011.

October 01: Unity Productions Presents-Come Away My Beloved

October 02: Unity Productions Presents-Come Away My Beloved

October 03: Yuki Hutchinson

October 07: Jazz Night w Spirited Emor

October 14: Ceci Dover

October 14: Joozz Magic

October 15: Tip Corbett speaks on Composers Scriabin & Ravel

October 16: Miriam Forsythe

October 22: WaltKeys Faith

October 23: Tip Corbett

The Harvest Festival will also be held from October 28th to October 30th with more information to follow.

Follow the links for detailed information including times & SL® locations

Petit Trianon: The French Gardens in Autumn

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Autumn has arrived in the French Gardens of the Petit Trianon

Visit Le Jardin Français in Second Life®

Académie Royale de Musique: September 2011

2011-09-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Académie Royale de Musique in conjunction with the Duché de Coeur is delighted to present the following program for September 2011.

September 23: Concert-Dani Plassitz
September 24: Ballet-Flori Muffin
September 24: Blues Night-Pmann Sands
September 25: Opera House & Art Gallery Open House with Ceci Dover
September 27: Reggaie Night-Born Again Pagans
September 30: Concert-Joaquin Gustav

Follow the links for detailed information including times & SL® locations.

Discover the Duché de Coeur Hunt

2011-09-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Between September 15-30, 2011, the Duché de Coeur of Second Life® will be hosting the Discover the Duché Hunt.

Merchants, Artists and Creators will be placing free gifts inside bronze fleur de lis and hiding them around their shops.

To see a list of participating creators and get a sneak peak at the prizes, visit the Discover the Duché Hunt website.

SLURLS are also provided so one may teleport from the site to Hunt locations. You can also use the Duché carriage system to take you to each location.

Louis XV Dejeuner Tea Set
Hunt Gift from Tatiana's Tea Room

If you have any questions, please contact Bagheera Kristan inworld.
Have Fun!

Académie Royale de Musique: Opening Night Masquerade Ball & Gala

2011-09-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Another exciting season is starting for the Académie Royale de Musique. A Masquerade Ball will be held on September 17, 2011 at 12pm SLT in the Languedoc Coeur Ballroom followed by a performance Billy Mikoyan and the Billy Mikoyan Orchestra.

At 2pm SLT, the party continues with Ceci Drover performing at the Skull & Crossbones Inn. More event information here.

Everyone is welcome to this Second Life® event!

Petit Trianon: The Queen's Theatre

2011-08-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Interior of Le Théâtre de la Reine. Photo by Denise of The Swelle Life

The plain facades and the little entrance of the edifice contrasted with the ravishing interior of the building in shades of gold and blue. Apollo with the Graces and the Muses, a painting by the artist Lagrenée, decorated the ceiling. Deschamps was responsible for the sculptures and the bas-reliefs. However, to save some money and to mollify the impatience of Marie-Antoinette, all sculptures were in papier-mâché. From floor to ceiling, everything was painted in trompe l'oeil.

from Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by Cristian Duvernois.

How fortunate we are that this gem managed to survive the revolution, more or less intact, as the mob considered it to be of little value. As with Marie Antoinette's Private Apartments in Versailles, The Queen's Theatre was a collaboration between Marie Antoinette & Richard Mique. Built in 1780 and located on the grounds of the Petit Trianon, it followed the social trend started by Madame Pompadour that saw small, private theatres adorning large country estates.

The Queen, an enthusiastic performer since her childhood, enlisted family & friends as her castmates while the King was reportedly a very keen member of the audience. Plays were performed and operas were sung; the joys of the simple, country life often dictating the theme. It was a theme which Marie Antoinette would also persue in building the Queen's Hamlet adjacent to the Petit Trianon as she expanded her romantic role of the comely peasant girl from the stage further into her real life.

See more of Denise's Versailles Series: Le Théâtre de la Reine including some great photos of the restored theatre.

Destination: Duché de Coeur

2011-08-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Duché de Coeur - coastal view by Inara Pey

Inara Pey from Living in a Modern World: Thoughts on Virtual Living dropped by the Duché recently having discovered it during our 2nd Annual Arts & Music Festival.

Though I somehow managed to miss her visit (note to self: you should really get out & about more) I was delighted that she enjoyed her time visiting the Coeurs and wrote:

Every once in a while as one travels around Second Life, one comes across a place that is so utterly unexpected, that one cannot help responding to it by thinking, “This is what Second Life is about!”

Duché de Coeur is just such a place.

The Duché has been an ongoing "labour of love" not only for myself and my business partners, Skye & Bedrich but for the whole community who help to make history come alive in a most enjoyable fashion. It's always such a pleasure when someone new discovers our virtual world and enjoys it!!

Read the full article at Destination: Duché de Coeur.

The Remarkable Redouté

2010-09-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

Nicknamed "The Raphael of flowers", Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) was an artist entranced by the beauty of nature. Born to a family of painters, Redouté began his career as a religious artist, travelling around Europe decorating various churches. Eventually he made his way to Paris, concentrating his talents on botanical illustration. His beautiful renditions of roses, lilies and other "specimens" elevated work of scientific accuracy and classifications to the realm of magnificent art which is still enjoyed today.

Redouté became an official court artist and the personal art teacher of Marie Antoinette, painting the gardens of Le Petit Trianon. In 1798, Empress Josephine became his patron and the gardens of her beloved Malmaison one of his subjects.

A designer for the French Academy of Sciences as well as the Professor of Plant Iconography at the Royal Gardens, Redouté lived a long and active life.

I've always had bits of Redoute's work gracing my RL home and so I was delighted to learned of their connection to Marie Antoinette and the court of France. With the long Canadian winter approaching I know that I will be turning my eyes to his wonderful roses as a promise of the summer to come.

I can recommend The Roses: The Complete Plates (Taschen 25th Anniversary) as a wonderful way for you to bring the garden indoors!

And for your enjoyment in SL, I have a new set of china based on the "Service aux Liliacées". Originally manufactured by Sévres in 1802 for Josephine it reflects one of Redouté's greatest works, the eight volume collection "Les Liliacée". You can find this sculpted china collection at my store inworld or at the SL Marketplace: Josephine Malmaison China I .

I always marvel at the magic of Redouté and I hope that you enjoy it as well!

Perfume fit for a Queen

2010-09-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Jean-Louis Fargeon (1748-1806), Marie Antoinette's official perfume maker, treated her to numerous perfumes and scents many of which where for her exclusive use. From perfumed gloves to sweet smelling sachets and toilet waters, the French Queen used this extension of her love of flowers to enhance her daily life. She truly believed that perfume helped to keep both her body and spirit healthy.

A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette's Perfumer by Elisabeth de Feydeau recounts the life of Faregon, from the day of his birth to his final escape from the guillotine. Along the way, we also learn intmate details of Marie Antoinette's life and of the court that surrounded her. Of particular interest to me is the creation of Parfum du Trianon, a custom scent meant to capture the atmosphere of her beloved Petit Trianon.

It seems that Eleas LeRoux (Eli Zephaniah) is now following in Fargeon's footsteps. A medical student, apothecary, and herbalist in the Duché de Coeur (Second Life®) Monsieur LeRoux has just introduced a line of perfumes fittingly called Eau de Coeur ~ Parfums Exotiques. While there are a number of scents available to the public, I was delighted to commission one especially for myself.

Here is the description of "Duchesse de Provence":

A unique and lingering floral scent for the duchess herself.

This is a complex and uniquely French distillation 'soliflore', i.e. relying primarily on the scent of a single variety of flower, in this case those of carefully harvested Provençal orchids Ophyrys afpifera and Serapias cordigera. This type of scent is notable for its pure and pronounced fragrance notes. Top and middle notes, the head and heart of the perfume, resemble those of the source flowers, with enduring base notes of essential floral oils and calamus.

Given the rarity of the natural ingredients, large scale production is out of the question.

What a wonderful way to bring a bit of the luxury that Marie Antoinette enjoyed to us in Second Life®!

Tatiana's Tea Room: Now Online in SL Marketplace

2010-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to announce that Tatiana's Tea Room is now available online in the new SL Marketplace!

Though it took me a while to get eveything shipshape (why oh why did I use so much BBCode on XStreet that couldn't be translated over?!), I'm quite please with the results & I hope that you like them as well. All in all, It seems to me that the SL Marketplace is actually a much better shopping experience than XStreet. This is very exciting and I plan to be added more to my online store in the days to come!

I've also given my twitter page, Tatiana's Tea Room on Twitter a fresh new look. If you would like to follow me there I would love to reciprocate, just give me a shout.

Many thanks for your continued support!

September Coeur Fair - Grape Stomp

2010-09-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a lazy summer for me in the Coeurs but now that September is here, it's time to get back to work!

Stormy, MariaLouisa & I certainly didn't waste any time before starting the traditional "Grape Stomp" at the September Coeur Fair. We predict that this year's vintage is going to be particularly good!!

Duché de Coeur: A Featured SL Destination!

2010-04-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Linden Lab has Featured the Duché de Coeur in their Destination Guide!!

Journey back to late 18th century France, to a time where Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson sought aid from the French during the Revolution. Attend a concert at the opera house, shop in the village, have tea at a mill, and enjoy the simple pleasures of this idealistic French countryside.

Second Life Destination Guide: Duché de Coeur

SecondLife: SecondYear

2010-04-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Bedrich, Skye & Tatiana toast to their SecondLife SecondYear

Where does the time go? We just celebrated our second year as co-owners of the Duché de Coeur. Many thanks to all of our friends & neighbours who have joined in the fun and contributed to the community!

Duché de Coeur: Egg Decorating Contest

2010-03-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Duché de Coeur is delighted to announce it's Egg Decorating Contest. Open to all courtiers of the Royal Courts, prizes will be given in both RP$ & L$. Two hundred RPS Influence Points will also be awarded to every contestant.

Eggs may be mechanical or static with a maximum of ten prims per entry and a limit of one entry per person. Eggs should reflect the historical nature of the Duché.

Eggs will be displayed at the Coeur Fair beginning Monday, March 29th when voting will begin. Prizes will be awarded Saturday April 3rd during the fair.

Contact TatianaDokuchic Varriale for information.

Congratulations!! (April 25, 2010):
1st Place: Fellice Babii - Search for Persephone
2nd Place: Harleywan Haggwood - Duchy Egged
3rd Place: Pekel Panacek - Dance Macabre; Candace Ducatillon - Duche Easter Egg; Trasgo Beaumont - The Souvenir

It was a pleasure to see the thought & creativity that went into all of the entries. Thanks to everyone that participated!!

The Queen's Trumeau - A Final Look

2010-03-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Norma now enjoys frequently gazing in her own trumeau. Seems that Seamus didn't have room for his trophy in the cottage. Photo by Seamus Gabardini.

The Traveler closed the door of his room at the the tavern behind him and sat heavily on the bed. Hunched over and with his head in his hands he looked like a man weary to the bone but after a few moments he sat up straight and on his face was a look of sheer joy. Despite his tired body, his soul was free for he had found it! He had in his possession all the pieces of the Queen's Trumeau! He glanced wearily at the bag holding the pieces then decided after a few moments to take a closer look at the legendary thirteenth piece. As he crossed the room he noticed the bag was no longer the same shape as when he placed it on the floor. As he drew near, he hesitated for he knew something wonderous had happened. Crossing slowly to the bag he knelt and opened it to find the Queen's Trumeau intact and as beautiful as the day it was made! He sat on the floor and gazed at himself in the mirror and saw instead of an old man, one much younger and less wise.

"As tempting as it is," he said to himself, "I much like the man I am today for one cannot trade youth for wisdom." With a smile he placed the Mirror carefully back in it's container and wrapped it with cloth. He then rose and went down to the tavern to see Maria, his stepdaughter.

"I have a present for you," he said with a smile as he approached her where she sat in the garden court.

"One always accepts presents with a smile, " she said as she began to open the wrap. As the mirror came into view and she realized what it was, she began to cry. "But, how can this be?" she said with tears of joy.

"I don't know Lass, " said the traveler, "but I have learned to never question the ways of this mysterious world. " "Still," he said," it is yours to keep."

Maria gazed at herself in the mirror for a long time. "No, she said, it is not mine. Many have searched for this prize and it should belong to everyone. " I will place it out for a final hunt tomorrow then it will go into the possession of the Duc and Duchesse de Coeur for display in the Grand Chateau de Languedoc. There, it can be seen by all and enjoyed or not as one prefers." " The first to find it will be rewarded as due. " She said.

"You are wise for one so young". said the traveler with a grin.

"I think it runs in our family, yes father? " She replied with a haughty smirk.

"It does indeed child, it does indeed." He laughed.

By SkyeRyder Varriale

MariaLouisa Muircastle assembles the winning pieces of the Queen's Trumeau. Photo by SkyeRyder Varriale

After a long, arduous adventure, the final pieces of the Queen's Trumeau were laid out for all to see at the Coeur Fair on Sunday, March 6th. It seemed only fitting that MariaLouisa Muircastle was one of the winners, given that it was her family's honour at stake. Seamus Gabardini also came away with a trumeau, which he shared with his other "partners in crime", Drake & Norma. After all, they were a big help in the process!

"It is so your turn ... get in here". Photo by Seamus Gabardini.

For those adventurers that haven't quite finished yet, the clues & mirror pieces are still in the Duché and twenty RPS Influence points will be given for each piece collected. Contact TatianaDokuchic Varriale for more information.

Quest for The Queen's Trumeau - Victory!

2010-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Seamus Gabardini, Fletch Kidd & MariaLouisa Muircastle celebrate their quest victory with a traditional beer! dance at the Duché de Coeur Opera House. Photo by Seamus Gabardini.

A month after embarking on the Quest for The Queen's Trumeau victory was sweet for for this intrepid team! They waded through swamps, dug through caves and drank endless cups of tea & coffee as they puzzled their way across the Duché de Coeur completing Parts 1 to 3.

Congratulations go out to Seamus Gabardini, Fletch Kidd, MariaLouisa Muircastle, Drake (the German Shepherd) & Norma (the mule-not shown)!

There's still time left to complete the quest and I'm sure any one of the adventurers already celebrating would be glad to lend a helping hand (given the right incentives that is :)) ). After all, I hear that Seamus is still trying to pay off his purchase of the diving gear.

"Convincin Drake its his turn to go back in and look for Clue no 8" Photo by Seamus Gabardini.

An Affair to Remember

2010-02-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Anxious & excited, I wait as Helena Loudon peers into my future. Who could that dark & handsome man on bended knee be?

New friendships were made, old friendships renewed at the Coeur Fair during the weekend of February 5th to 7th. Merchants were still busy setting out their wares when the first of the crowds started to arrive Friday evening, launching the festivities that lasted throughout the extended weekend.

Everyone was in excellent form as they participated in the various activities including the fortune telling, knife throwing and bobbing for apples. MariaLouisa, Baronesse de Coeur, was most diligent in pouring rounds of beer & the wonderful Duché wine which I'm sure had something to do with the spontaneous outbursts of dancing whenever someone yelled "beer!".

My heartfelt thanks to all of the participants who made this event one to remember. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again next month, March 5th to 7th.

See Duché de Coeur - The Coeur Fair for more information.

Quest for The Queen's Trumeau

2010-01-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Once upon a day gone by
a lady came to France
to aid the queen as well she could
in court, as fate perchanced.

As the months and years were spent,
a deep, fond friendship grew
between the Queen and this young girl
that no one could undo.

Her majesty was vain of heart
and had a Trumeau gold
it's gilded frame, it's fragile glass
a wonder to behold.

A glass so finely crafted
it gave back more than took
and all who viewed themselves in it
wondered how fair they looked .....
By SkyeRyder Varriale

The Duché de Coeur announces its first RP Quest with a hefty RP$ Prize among the goodies to be found at the end. The Quest is expect to last for several weeks and everyone is invited to partake in the fun! Find out more at Quest for The Queen's Trumeau

Duché de Coeur: The Coeur Fair - Help Wanted

2010-01-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Duchy will begin hosting a monthly Fair the first weekend of every month with the first one slated for February 6th & 7th. This will be an opportunity to meet & mingle with your fellows and have an all-around good time in a relaxed, country atmosphere.

The use of the RPS Role-Play system is encouraged (but not necessary) to take full advantage of this event. Find out more at Duché de Coeur - RPS Getting Started.

Set up will begin 6am Friday February 5th. Take down 6pm Sunday February 7th.

A schedule of event times will be posted so that you know when you are most likely to meet people there. Each participant will be limited to 20 prims though exceptions may be granted (contact me to arrange for more prims). You will be assigned a specifc area for your set up.

We are looking for a variety of people:
Merchants - selling goods for RP$. You can do this a number of ways including the use of RP$ Vendors (contact me for more information) or by actually being present and selling the items directly. Bartering & trading is encouraged. Any item applicable to the time period is welcome including, food, herbs, flowers, art, healing potions, furniture etc. There will not be a charge for these merchants.

Merchants - selling RPS Compatible goods for L$. Spaces are limited and there will be a L$100 fee to participate.

Merchants - selling goods for L$. Spaces are limited and there will be a L$100 fee to participate.

All merchants are encouraged to be present Sunday February 7th from 12pm to 2pm SLT at a minimum.

Services - earning RP$. It would be great to have people offering different services: healing, fortune telling, musicians, magicians, jugglers, kissing booth (PG kisses only ;) ) Please use your imagination! The times for these will be advertised as individual events.

Contact TatianaDokuchic Varriale (here or inworld) for more information, to reserve your spot and/or to schedule an event time.

Ephemera Designs: Historical Costumes in SL

2010-01-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ephe Luik is the creative force behind Ephemera Designs. Her historical costumes are made with a lot of love & I just love to wear them. This fabulous video shows off some of her collection and I'm delighted that she used my version of The Queen's House in the Queen's Hamlet for some of her interior shots.

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-24T13:35:00.001-08:00

The Duché de Coeur wishes everyone the Happiest of Holidays & Best of the New Year to come!!

Queen's Hamlet: The Boudoir

2009-11-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

This petit cottage is part of The Queen's Hamlet, a fantasy village built for Marie Antoinette to escape the rigours of court life.

The Boudoir was designed as an extension to The Queen's House and is the smallest building of the hamlet. It was used by Marie Antoinette to entertain her closest friends in luxurious privacy.

This SL version uses wallpaper details from Phillipe de Lasalle's Les Perdrix (The Partridges) commissioned in the early 1770s as part of the decoration for a salon in the Palais Bourbon in Paris.

All of the casement windows are fully functional and the smoking chimney can be controlled by a simple touch. A full security system is also included.

View the Decorated Model or see the Rental inworld. The Boudoir is also available on the SL Marketplace.

The Witches Brew Gridwide Hunt

2009-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be participating in the SL Discovery Witches Brew Gridwide Hunt which runs from October 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009. In total, there are 119 shops to find treasures at. You're looking for a witches cauldron filled with goodies. Hopefully I didn't make mine too hard to find :))
This hunt is circular so you can start at any location and follow it through. Here is my main store Tatiana's Tea Room

Have fun!

L'Amour Comédien Commode

2009-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

This exquisitely detailed commode was designed for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by Joseph Stockel in 1786.

Bronze gilt delicately covers the mahogany while porcelain plaques grace the front (the actors or "comédiens") and sides (a bouquet of flowers). The top is of white marble with a beveled edge.

This luxurious piece is equally at home in an old world chateau or modern apartment.

You can find this piece at my main store or on the SL Marketplace: L'Amour Comédien Commode

Hot Air Ballooning

2009-09-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

The first manned hot-air balloon, designed by the Montgolfier brothers , takes off from the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, on November 21, 1783

The first clearly recorded instance of a balloon carrying passengers used hot air to generate buoyancy and was built by the brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier in Annonay, France. These brothers came from a family of paper manufacturers and had noticed ash rising in paper fires. The Montgolfier brothers gave their first public demonstration of their invention on June 4, 1783. After experimenting with unmanned balloons and flights with animals, the first tethered balloon flight with humans on board took place on October 19, 1783 with the scientist Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier, the manufacture manager, Jean-Baptiste Réveillon and Giroud de Villette, at the Folie Titon in Paris. The first free flight with human passengers was on 21 November 1783. King Louis XVI had originally decreed that condemned criminals would be the first pilots, but de Rozier, along with Marquis Francois d'Arlandes, successfully petitioned for the honor. The first hot air balloons were essentially cloth bags (sometimes lined with paper) with a smoky fire built on a grill attached to the bottom. They were susceptible to catching fire, often upon landing, although this occurred infrequently.

Only a few days later, on December 1, 1783, Professor Jacques Charles and Nicholas Louis Robert made the first gas balloon flight, also from Paris. The hydrogen filled balloon flew to almost 2,000 feet (600 m), stayed aloft for over two hours and covered a distance of 27 miles (43 km), landing in the small town of Nesle.

From Wikipedia: History of ballooning

Can you imagine the excitment this must have generated! I do get a chuckle thinking of Louis XVI decreeing test pilots should be condemned criminals. What a great way to make an escape! I also love the connection between hot air balloons and wallpaper as the story of Jean-Baptiste Réveillon reveals. It seems his papier blue d'Angleterre was a favourite of Marie Antoinette's.

Thanks to the work of Harleywan Haggwood, the Duché de Coeur has many hot air balloons available for public use. It's a wonderful way to explore the Duchy especially now that the trees are such vivid autumn colours. Visit le Jardin Francais, Provence Coeur Est2 Hot Air Balloons & Carousel for free rides. Wane's Baroque Balloons are also available for purchase at this location.

Royal Courts of Second Life

2009-09-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

Royal Courts of Second Life: A gathering of courtiers from the virtual world of Second Life®.

I'm delighted to report that the social network Royal Courts of Second Life has returned. Originally launched by Elizabeth Cavendish, the site attracted members from many of the historical royal courts operating within Second Life®. With Elizabeth moving on to other adventures, I decided to jump in and recreate the site giving it a bit of a different look and adding some new features. Since its opening on Friday, the site has been growing in leaps & bounds. Many of the old members have returned and new faces are being seen.

One of the most exciting features of this social network is the ability to announce & coordinate upcoming events. This section is open to all members and is a wonderful way to build the community by fostering connections between the various SL courts.

You will see that the forum is divided up into various categories. Some of the categories, like General Discussion, are old standards. Other categories, like Court Etiquette, may prove to be popular. They may also prove to duds and will then be adjusted as we go :)) The Architecture category is already growing; not a surprise considering the fantastic builds that are happening throughout the courts.

Royal Courts of Second Life is open to anyone that has a Second Life® account. I invite you to take a look and see what you think!

Pirate Raid over Normandie

2009-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ahoy, The local Gentry of the Duchy de Coeur desire to be entertained by a race of combat (SPD/TSS) vessels in the waters of Normandie Coeur. All Seaman, Pyrates and Landlubbers who can Captain a ship invited to attend.

~~~~~~~ Captains ~~~~~~~
Captains must come with their own ship and enrol in the race a few minutes minutes before the race starts. Of course, Captains could participate with his usuall crew or enrol some of the assistants to the event at their own discretion.

The race will start in Normandie Coeur East Bay and run through Normandie Couer Harbour. The Captain who scores the highest total of points (100 to the 1st to complete 5 rounds of the course.. 50 to each who completes the course and 10 bonus points for each mine hazard destroyed) will be judged the winner and have the honor of being awarded a trophy by the Duc and Duchesse de Coeur.

Slower vessels proving to be a hazard to navigation of the course may be hastened along by cannon fire as Captains deem fit to engage. Mariners are cautioned that spectators may also fire upon their vessels from ashore in an effort to tip the scales for their favorites. Additionally it is rumored that Normandie waterways may be mined. Vessels which are sunk during the race will be considered beyond repair and disqualified from further competition.

In the event that no vessel remains sufficiently sea worthy to complete 5 rounds of the course the winner will be determined by the last vessel remaining afloat and able to make way.

The race will begin on Sunday Sept 13 th at 8 bells ( Noon SLT). Please do feel free to come and practice the course in advance. Fair winds, following seas and good shooting to all participants.

~~~~~~~ Civilians ~~~~~~~We encourage specially all the residents or friends of the Duchy of Coeur to come and help against this naval attack. We have place around the docks and shores all the cannons that we found ready to use and need your help to shot the ships and sink them all, avoididng a possible terrible raid over our beautiful lands!!!!

The Duc and Duchesse de Coeur will award civilians that show their decision and good aim against the assault forces.

~~~~~~~ Party ~~~~~~~At the end of the event, all people, winners and losers, civilians and seamans, pirates and landlubbers will be invited to participate in a great pirate party in Languedoc Taverne, near the beach, where all together we will finish all the rum and wine that we find in the Duchy's cellars!

Contact Seamus Garbardini & Trasgo Beaumont for further information.

Turn, Turn, Turn

2009-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

To everything
(Turn, turn, turn)
There is a season
(Turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose
Under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

A time of war, a time of peace
A time to love, a time to hate
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sow
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.

From the book of Ecclesiastes via Pete Seeger.

Marie Antoinette's personal "en gaulle" and professional "à la rose" guises as painted by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun.

Oh the Labour Day Weekend!! Not even New Year's Day can rival it as a time of transitions. The summer is all but over as children & young adults head back to school. The days are shorter, the temperature is cooler and those of us that are lucky enough to have taken a summer breather are gearing up for the next foray into our working world.

As usual, I have accomplished about twenty percent of what I had planned to do during my summer break. The house is a bit cleaner, the garden a bit tidier, my health a bit better especially since my stress level is a bit lower. My SL version of le Petit Trianon has grown (but just a bit!) and I'm looking forward to continuing with all of my projects through the fall and winter.

All of this put me in mind of Marie Antoinette and her eventual pursuit of a more private and simple way life. She would retreat to le Petit Trianon, just as we retreat to our cottages or our backyards during a "staycation", to enjoy her gardens and the company of her friends. She abandoned the restrictive court dress and heavy makeup in favour of white muslin gowns and simple straw hats, telling her visitors that "I shall be quite alone so don't dress up; country clothes and the men in frockcoats".

Thanks to two paintings done in 1783 by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun a visual comparison of the private and public Marie Antoinette is easy to make. Elena Maria Vidal has blogged about both of these portraits and their deeper implications at Chemise à la reine and Marie-Antoinette à la Rose .

I always hope that Marie Antoinette found both joy and peace of mind during her times away from her professional life at court allowing her to return rejuvenated, ready to tackle the mountain of tasks at hand. Come to think of it, that's also my wish for myself! May we all find pleasure in going forward as the wheel turns.

Petit Trianon as Blogged at Vain Inc.

2009-09-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Gaia Laval in a "Robe a l'Anglais" at the Petit Trianon.

I was delighted to discover that Gaia Laval mentioned my work in her blog Robe a l'Anglais (English Dress) over at Vain Inc. It's so exciting to see the Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet through someone else's eyes. And am I ever glad that I took the time to texture the underside of that gueridon nicely :))

Thanks Gaia!!

A Passion for Porcelain

2009-08-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Louis XV Fontainebleau China Collection - Tatiana's Tea Room SL.

Sevres Porcelain traces its roots in France to early craftsmen who had small manufacturing operations in such places as Lille, Rouen. St. Cloud, and most notably Chantilly. It is from Chantilly that a cadre of workers migrated to the Chateau de Vincennes near Paris to form a larger porcelain manufactory in 1738. French King Louis XV, perhaps inspired by his rumored relationship with mistress Madame de Pompadour, took an intense interest in porcelain and moved the operation in 1756 to even larger quarters in the Paris suburb of Sevres. Sevres was also conveniently near the home of Madame de Pompadour and the King's own Palace at Versailles.

Ultimately, the Sevres Procelain Factory produced items under the name of "Royal" and thus the well-known Sevres Mark was born. King Louis XV even mandated laws that severely restricted other porcelain production in France so as to retain a near monopoly for his Sevres Porcelain. The king even willingly became chief salesman for the finest of his products, hosting an annual New Year's Day showing for French nobility in his private quarters at Versailles. He eagerly circulated among potential buyers, pitching the merits of ownership and policing the occasional light-fingered guest.

From Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles: Sevres Porcelain History

It seems that I am in good company with my "passion for porcelain" since I can include amongst our numbers Louis XV and the lovely Madame de Pompadour. Who would have thought that the King would have been a pitchman for the "finest of his products"!

I had a wonderful time making this SL collection with the delicate rose & gold patterns created by Jean Charles Sioux in 1756 for Sèvres knowing that the RL collection was first used by Louis XV & Madame Pompadour and later by Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette during their stays at Fontainebleau.

The Tea Set includes: tea pot, sugar bowl, creamer, 2 cups w saucers, linen napkin & 3 gold spoons on a gold scalloped serving tray.

It is scripted so that you can select from hot tea (steaming cups), cool tea or empty cups. It also dispenses an animated tea cup that allows you to sip your tea.

The 5 piece place setting, China I, includes: Gold Charger, Large Plate, Small Plate & Soup Bowl w Plate.
You can select from steaming or cool tomato soup, potato soup, pea soup or an empty bowl.

The 6 piece serving set, China II, includes: 4 Large Plates, Oval Dish & Covered Bowl. Look for the 1 & 2 tier cake stands, the plate of Petit Fours that dispenses animated cakes for you to eat and the coordinated Gueridon to display your individual pieces.

The Louis XV Fontainebleau China Collection is sold as individual pieces & in sets at my main store. The sets can also be found on the SL Marketplace: Tea Set, China I, a 5 piece place setting, China I, a 6 piece serving set.

The Queen's Library SL

2009-08-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette's Salon Doré inspired me to create the Queen's Library Collection in SecondLife.
There are 3 bookcases (1 large, 2 small) panelled with details from Marie Antoinette's lovely Salon Doré in Versailles. These bookcases (1 prim each) line up seamlessly and are also a lot of fun to modify and arrange making many different combinations in a room.

No library would be complete without a place to write your correspondence. The Queen's Library-Writing Desk (8 prims) features a small animated drawer while the Queen's Library Desk Chair (8 prims) contains 1 writing and 2 relaxing poses. There is also a Quill & Ink stand that dispenses a quill to "wear" while you are writing.

The set is rounded out by the Queen's Library Stool (6 prims) covered in the same Madame DuBarry's pink rose fabric as the writing chair. There are 3 poses in this stool as well.

You can find these pieces at my main store or on the SL Marketplace: Large Bookcase, Small Bookcase Right, Small Bookcase Left, Writing Desk, Desk Chair, Stool

Versailles: Marie Antoinette's Private Apartments

2009-08-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette's Salon Doré one of the four main rooms of her "Petits Appartements" in Versailles.

These small rooms with their concealed doors escaped the surveillance ofspies and favoured love affairs and intrigues. To step through thelooking-glass, just as Marie Antoinette used to do, is an extraordinaryexperience. The four main rooms, the Méridienne, the two libraries, theSalon Doré, their boudoirs and their bathrooms provide a perfect image ofeighteenth-century France as we imagine it today.

from The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer & François Halard

Is it any wonder that I have always taken such inspiration from this wonderful suite of rooms designed and created by the finest craftsmen!

Richard Mique the premier architecte to Louis XVI and a favourite of the queen's was given the task of transforming these rooms for her use while the Rousseau brothers, Jules Antoine and Jean Siméon, did the decorative work on the panelling.

The Salon Doré was both the most grand and the most public room in the suite; Neoclassic in style with "Pompeian" motifs and playful cherubs.

The Méridienne, its daybed tucked into a mirrored alcove, was a place for rest and relaxation. Given to Marie Antoinette by Louis XVI in 1782 to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin, this lovely retreat followed the delicate Rococo style

The green library, with its high ceiling was quite simple in comparison.

In this photo you can see the wonderful "tompe l'oeil" books on the door of the blue library. I'm always amused by the fact that Marie Antoinette also used "faux books" on the shelves to make her libraries more beautiful.

Duché de Coeur: Portraits

2009-08-06T04:34:00.001-07:00

Master Artist, Monsieur Trasgo Beaumont hosts the duchy portrait contest!
Journey back in time to the Ville d'Aquitaine where you can wander the streets and view the incredible range of portraits that have been submitted. Vote for your favourite entries.

Prizes were awarded Saturday August 8, 11am SLT.

Grand Prize: Lavender Lady by Aeon Auer

Popular vote: Making plans by Aeon Auer
Master's Pick: Fair Winds and Following Seas by Seamus Gabardini
Duchesses' Pick: Maria by Dawn by MariaLouisa Muircastle

Paris Atelier: Let's Dance!

2009-07-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

I swear that I swooned while looking at this wonderful new post by Judith of Paris Atelier.

After the faintness passed, I ran over here to share it with you. If you would like to partake of some delicious eye candy & learn more about this little piece of dance heaven see: Paris Atelier: Let's Dance!

Queen's Hamlet: The Queen's House

2009-07-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Queen's House - Residential Rental

Construction began right away. Procrastination was not part of the
agenda. Excitement was. Nevertheless, and not counting some
formidable obstacles, the Anglo-Chinese Garden, started in 1774, would be
completed by 1782.

From Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by François Halard

I love to imagine Marie Antoinette and her "Trianon team", Richard Mique, Antoine Richard and Hubert Robert working together to create the botanical wonders of her domaine. I have certainly been thinking of them as I am constantly "adjusting" my own version of The Queen's Hamlet.

Recently I have begun a bit of an update to the residential area. You will see that the Queen's House is now located on its own private isle, surrounded by navigatable water & accented by beautiful flora.

The Queen's House was designed to have a rustic exterior, actually being faux painted and distressed to give it the look of a Norman peasant home. The interior was lavish and beautiful as only a home built for the Queen and her closest friends could be. Its intimate rooms provided for much more comfort than the grand Queen's quarters of Versailles could.

This SL version uses boiserie details from le château de Voré and le château de Compiègne to achieve it's elegant atmosphere, while the kitchen wallpaper is from la maison Bonaparte. All of the casement windows are fully functional and the smoking chimney can be controlled by a simple touch. A full security system and discrete teleport system are also included.

Being "fit for a queen", The Queen's House makes the perfect private residence.

Madame Victoire

2009-07-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about recreating historical objects is discovering the rl people and personalities associated with them.

When I stumbled across a wonderful table, decorated in Sèvres porcelain by Martin Carlin, I was curious indeed about its owner Mme Victoire.

Marie Louise Thérèse Victoire de France or Madame Victoire as she was known was the daughter of Louis XV and the aunt of Louis XVI. Born at the Palace of Versailles, she had a front row seat to the splendor of the monarchy and the turmoil of the revolution.

I had read about the "Mesdames Tantes", that group of royal aunts to whom Louis XVI was so devoted, mostly in the context of the cool reception they gave to Marie Antoinette on her arrival in France but now, thanks to a piece of furniture, Mme Victoire stands out as an individual in my mind. As a Daughter of France, I’m sure her life was filled with both luxury and intrigue!

This unique table comes from Madame Victoire's apartments in Versailles. It is adorned with wonderful birds, flowers and landscape scenes on an gilt, ebony background. In this SL version, the addition of a coordinated chair turns it into a writing desk. The chair contains 3 poses (write & 2 relax) and 4 different fabric options that are controlled by a HUD. Touch the chair seat to select the pose, touch the chair back to select the fabric.

You can find both of these pieces at my main store or on XStreet: Madame Victoire's Table and Madame Victoire's Desk Chair .

Château Fleur

2009-06-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sunrise at Château Fleur

Having worked diligently in the French Garden of the Petit Trianon over the past week (to the point where my rl garden is now extremely jealous), I am delighted to announce the opening of the first of two residential rentals, Château Fleur.

Situated on the eastern point of the garden, it's the perfect location to enjoy a SL sunrise. Sheltered by mature trees and surrounded by water on three sides, a private dock allows you to moor your own boat so that you are ready to explore the duchy by sea.

Le Chateau de Compiègne supplied many of the stone and boiserie details including those from the Salon des fleurs. Wide expanses of glass make for rooms full of light and the three balconies allow you to relax and dine outdoors. A full security system is also included.

Visit Château Fleur inworld.

A New Summer Love

2009-06-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Falling in love again
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
Can't help it

F. Hollander & S. Lerner

Isn't the first day of summer the perfect time to muse about a new love?

I was suprised to see that I hadn't blogged for almost a month now. Where did the time go? The days flying by in a spring/summer jumble of activity. I guess that's the way it is with a new love; so much to do, so much to explore :))

How did this happen? Well, I was working away happily in the Queen's Hamlet (Provence Coeur Est), setting out some gardens, creating some new wallpaper for le Petit Trianon, when LindenLabs announced a grandfathering on Homestead sim prices. That's all it took, the promise of more land at a fixed rate! I fought against it for a while but the temptation was too great. After all, the trianon would be much more complete with its' Jardin Français! My partners in crime, Skye & Bedrich were no help in shoring up by willpower, as they too ran off to make further additions to the Duchy. So up it went, Provence Coeur Est2 (about 30 seconds after I placed the order)!!

The digging started, hardscaping, landscaping, tree building, fountain building, flower buying, bluebird buying (all while wearing the finest of gowns ;)) Yesterday, I quietly remove the access restrictions and welcomed my first official visitors apart from those good friends who have been popping in on a regular basis. Today I thought I would make the official announcement.

So please drop by Le Petit Trianon-Le Jardin Français located in Provence Coeur Est2. It is still very much a work in progress, but the birds are singing amidst the flowers & fountains. You'll probably see me over in a corner somewhere, hauling another tree into place :))

Petit Trianon: Billard Room Boiserie

2009-05-29T13:37:00.001-07:00

I'm delighted to announce the release of The Billard Room Boiserie!

I created this collection for The Billard Room of the Petit Trianon. In rl this room has recently been restored with plain white boiserie. I decided to be a bit more elaborate in sl and took my inspiration from "la salle des jeux de la reine Marie Antoinette" (Marie Antoinette's games room) in the Chateau de Compiègne. I used details from the wallpaper and boiserie which abounds with cherubs and flowers on a white background.

The collection consists of five single walls and three murals which can be purchase individually or in two sets. The sets offer a 20% discount.

As with all of my textures, these are intended for your private use (Mod, Copy, NO Transfer).

The PT-Billard Room Collection is available at my main store and on the SLM at Murals , Walls .

Marie Antoinette's Wedding Day

2009-05-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday May 16, 1770 Marie Antoinette Josephe Jeanne Archduchess of Austria married Louis Auguste Dauphin of France.

Although there had been much lightning at La Muette, the next day, Wednesday, 16 May 1770 dawned brightly, fortunately for the crowds,including many great ones, who had to get up early and make the three-hour carriage journey to Versailles. Admission was by ticket only--with many stern official orders to the effect that this must be respected--but there were probably 6000 people present of all ranks. For the great ones, full court dress (grand habit de cour) was de rigueur: swords and silk coats for men,tightly boned bodices, hooped skirts and a long train for women, as well as elaborately dressed and powdered hair. The Duchess of Northumberland for one had to get up at 6 a.m. to have hers done.

The full panoply of Versailles was now loosed upon a central figure who, in the words of one observer, was so small and slender in her white brocade dress inflated with its vast hoops on either side that she looked "not above twelve." Yet the dignity of Marie Anotinette who had "the bearing of an archduchess"--the result of that rigorous grooming of her childhood, which had been the most efficient part of her education--was universally commended. And this was a place where style and grace of self-presentation were of paramount importance. The Dauphin on the other hand was generally reported as being cold, sulky or listless throughout the long Mass, in contrast to his bride. And he trembled with apprehension as he placed the chosen ring on her finger.

from Marie Antoinette The Journey by Antoina Fraser

Fabulous Fashion

2009-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

I've always loved this portrait of Madame de Pompadour by François Boucher.

Such a beautiful woman, such a beautiful room, such a beautiful dress!! Looking at all of the details in this dress makes me delightfully dizzy. So how wonderful is it that I can actually "wear" this dress in SL thanks to the talents of Naergilien Wunderlich.

I've been a customer of Naergilien for quite some time now and her photo-realistic Rococo dresses have made my SL experience just that much better. This is one of the reasons I'm delighted to announce that I have expanded my main store to include a lovely new dress shop featuring the Wunderlich Rococo lines: Marquise de Pompadour & Duchess Movie Costumes as well as the Movie Costumes line. Drop by anytime you're in the mood for a new frock or need a costume for your next masquerade ball. The dresses are located on the second floor to the left of the stairs.

May Day

2009-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

I've always considered May Day to be one of the most magical days of the year.

The thought of it certainly evokes a jumble of ideas & images in my head. Pagan rituals celebrating the growing season; the absolute relief of making it through another winter; Flora the goddess of flowers; the May Queen; the Maypole; Mayday (as in "help me" or "m'aider"); Anne Boleyn's world crashing down around her at a May Day Tournament. Did they really put the Queen of the May to death after the celebrations were over? Perhaps May magic is so powerful because of the dark & the light but at this time of year it is so easy to believe that the light is in ascendance!

Now on to a few SL updates.

The Duché de Coeur Landscape Painting contest has ended and our winners based on your votes are:

1st Place: 'Aquitaine Coeur Nord' by Janeloradana Janus

2nd Place: 'Sunlight beams into Untouched Silence' by Prissy206 Hammond

3rd Place: 'Wheatfield' by Morrigan Morrisey

A Special Masters Choice Award was Given by our Duchy Master Artist Trasgo Beaumont to: 'Waiting' by Morrigan Morrisey

Special Non-Cash Ribbons, the Duc and Duchesses' Choice Awards, were given to a selection of others we felt deserved special recognition. Please drop by the Canal in Languedoc Coeur to see the paintings and awards.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, we enjoyed seeing everyone's work!

The SL Discovery Gridwide Hunt starts today!

Tatiana's Tea Room is store #111 and the hunt is circular so you can start there if you like. I have "hidden" the magnifying glass which contains the gift but it shouldn't be that hard to find.

Find the official hunt information at SLDiscovery Hunt.

Hortense's Cabinets

2009-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

These two lovely cabinets have so many interesting historical connections, I didn't know what to name them!

They rl models were created during the reign of Louis XVI by Jacques-François Micaud who worked for the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory. Beautiful porcelain plaques filled with flowers & fruits adorn the front of each, as do embossed gold cherubs.

Made during Marie Antoinette's time, these cabinets became part of the collection of "La Reine Hortense", Hortense de Beauharnais, Josephine's daughter. I believe that they currently reside in Marie Antoinette's Billard Room in Versailles.

My sl versions have animated doors that open & close with a touch. They are available at my main store and also on the SL Marketplace: Hortense's Cabinet and Hortense's Cabinet Companion

Petit Trianon: Franco-Anglo-Chinese Garden

2009-04-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

For the past six months I've been pouring over "Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles". A big thank you to Thomasine Guisse for recommending it!

In the process I like to believe that I have gained a bit more insight into the queen's personality as well as the history of the French landscape garden. While Versailles had its Garden à la française, the Petit Trianon was graced with both a French and an English garden, or should I say a Franco-Anglo-Chinese garden.

I do find the idea of a Franco-Anglo-Chinese garden both fascinating and amusing so I'm taking my first, tentative steps in developing one. Since every good garden needs plenty of benches where one can relax and enjoy the view, I have recreated a rather grand one that is associated with the Petit Trianon. More stylish than its "country cousins" of the Queen's Hamlet, this elegant bench with it's elaborate carving & paint could not withstand the rigours brought on by winter and so spent the colder season tucked away in the basement of the Queen's Theatre. Fortunately for us in sl, the bench can be used the whole year through ;)

This bench comes with five sit animations, three in the seat which can be changed through a HUD and one in each arm.

You will find the Petit Trianon-Anglo Chinese Park Bench for sale at my main store, along the lake of the Queen's Hamlet and on the SL Marketplace

For more information about "Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles" see the image below.

Duché de Coeur: Landscapes

2009-04-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Master Artist, Monsieur Trasgo Beaumont hosts the duchy landscape contest!
Works of art capturing the beauty of this historical land will be on display inworld in Languedoc Coeur from April 15, 2009 to April 30, 2009 during which time you can also vote for your favourites. See the voting results on Les Amis du Coeur-Contests.

Here is a sneak peek!

Morrigan Morrisey photographed this wheatfield in Provence Coeur using SL environmental settings and minimal Photoshop post-processing.

Miss Morrisey is the owner of Gansey Designs, a shop that focuses on structures and plantings for the garden as well as furniture and accessories for the home.

She recently completed a display for the Relay for Life Home, Garden & Patio Expo, which will be held May 4-10, 2009.

Her items can be found on XStreetSL.com.

Provence Coeur Est 002 by Ecthelion Llewellyn.

Provence Coeur Est 007 by Ecthelion Llewellyn.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

2009-04-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Madame la duchesse de Chartres Chantilly
I have to say that I've fallen in love with the work of Louis Carrogis (1770-1806) and Easter seemed the perfect time to share "Madame la duchesse" with you! A confection of pink ruffles and white lace, delicately accented with a nosegay of flowers and topped with wonderful curls & hat. She is definitely candy for the eyes.
To celebrate Easter and the beginning of spring this portrait will be free for a limited time. You can find it at the main store inworld or online at Xstreet.

La marquise de MontessonJust in case you felt the need for something a tad more "serious", here are la marquise de Montesson, la marquise du Crest et la comtesse de Damas, again by Carrogis. I so enjoy imagining the conversation that accompanies this tea party. Currently available at my main store inworld.

Louis XVI Aspasie Cabinet

2009-04-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

This lovely cabinet was created by Philippe-Claude Montigny (1734-1800) during the reign of Louis XVI.

Following the "boulle" style, an ebony background is inlaid with chiseled bronze and gold revealing a scene of Aspasie conversing with a philospopher.

This sl version has two automated doors and wonderful detailing all around. It can be found at the main store in-world or on the SL Marketplace.

Wine Tasting in Aquitaine Coeur

2009-03-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Les Amis du Coeur gathered for an afternoon of "sipping & stomping" on March 29 ((2009)).

Petit Trianon: The Billard Room

2009-03-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

For a while now I have been working on the Billard Room, located on the ground floor of the Petit Trianon.

In rl this room has recently been restored with plain white boiserie. I decided to be a bit more elaborate in sl and took my inspiration from "la salle des jeux de la reine Marie Antoinette" (Marie Antoinette's games room) in the Chateau de Compiègne. I used details from the wallpaper and boiserie which abounds with cherubs and flowers on a white background.I have been working with a new technique that creates three dimensional sculpts and used this to create some new accessories for this room. Both the Cherub Mirror and the Cherub Wall Sconce take advantage of this 3D modelling. These items are original to Compiègne and it was fun to put them back together here. I also added an old favourite, The Queen's Boudoir Fireplace since it also featured cherubs and flower garlands.

A large framed print of Louis XIV playing billards (1694), a Louis XVI billard scoreboard made in Sèvres porcelaine and a Louis XVI "Aspasie" Cabinet round out the furniture & accessories made to date.

For those of you that enjoy little secrets, look for the hidden door that goes from the billard room to the room for the china & silverwear. It is located to the right of the fireplace as it is in rl :))

St. Patrick's Day in the Coeurs

2009-03-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

The green beer was flowing and everyone's feet were flying as St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in the Languedoc Tavern on March 15th ((2009))!!

Le Festival de Printemps

2009-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Spring in le Duché de Coeur

The festival opens on a wonderful note with Izabela Spiewak's fantastic concert!

Carousel Rides and Free Hot Air Ballooning will be offered in Provence Coeur Est during the festival. This is a wonderful, relaxing way to explore the six Coeur sims. Discover the simple pleasures & romance that this beautiful land offers by participating in this celebration of spring!

Skating Party in Provence

2009-02-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

As part of the winter holiday festivities, an informal skating party was held in Provence on December 28th.

Though the weather was crisp with a light dusting of snow, the ladies and gentlemen were warmed by the exercise, especially when the "River Dancing" started. If you look closely at the picture you may recognize a number of the "dancers".

Of Things Past and Present

2009-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that January 1st was the perfect day to start a new blog.

What better day to reflect a bit on things past and look with anticipation to the future!

First, allow me to introduce myself. I am TatianaDokuchic Varriale (Tat for short and to save your fingers), Duchesse de Provence (I know, I know, in rl there never was a duchesse, it was a comtesse, but this title denotes land ownership more than anything else). My little piece of the Second Life virtual world is Provence Coeur Est which forms part of the Duché de Coeur. The duchy is an endeavour founded and managed by myself and the Duc & Duchesse de Coeur, my sl sister SkyeRyder Varriale & her sl husband Bedrich Panacek.

It seems that I have been following in Marie Antoinette's footsteps for years now, fascinated by the art and architecture of her time period. First I fell in love with Le Petit Trianon and then of course with Le Hameau de la Reine. I have spent many happy hours bringing her world to life and I hope to continue doing so well into the future. After three years of searching, I finally managed to obtain authentic floor plans, not only for the trianon but also for all the buildings of the hamlet. I am having a marvelous time learning about and building the hamlet with all of the little details that make it so interesting and exciting for me.

As the proprietress of Tatiana's Tea Room, I sell my designs and offer tea and refreshments to all who are interested. The Tea Room is located on the east side of the village of Provence Coeur. Provence Coeur Est also provides a small selection of rentals that are located in a quiet, rural setting. I am considering adding a few more rental houses but not until the skating rink has melted :))

Well, that's enough blogging for one day! I'm off to continue building my latest, Le Rechauffoir, a state of the art kitchen for the hamlet.

Wishing you the happiest & healthiest of new years!

Just Arrived

2009-01-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

I once read that "getting started" was the hardest thing.

That certainly seems to be the case for me when embarking on a new adventure. The world seems big, full of potential, promises & challenges. In comparision, I seem small (and slightly out of focus ). So much to do, so much to explore, so little time to do it in.

Beginning this blog, I am looking forward & back at the same time. Back to the friends I have already made & the things that I have already learned. Forward to new friends, adventures & challenges. Yes, getting started is hard but it is also marvelous!