The Queen had the habit of waking up early, after leaving bed she used to take a simple dress and attend an early morning mass, she would then return in her apartments alone and play music or read.
At half past twelve an entire crowd would enter into her apartments, it was time for her public toilette! A table with a mirror would be brought and her silver gilded service would be placed on it. The toilette ceremony had NOTHING to do with what we associate modern day toilets, it was in fact the act of being washed up(the hands and face mostly) and then getting ready for the day.
Lady's in waiting would wash the Queen's hands and face, apply her makeup, do her hair and put on her dress by order of seniority.All that in front of an assembly of women from the court. During the process the Queen would say a few words and a unique compliments to each lady in waiting. She would then go a second time to a mass-a royal one this time- accompanied by her household, but,unlike the first mass of the day, she would appear in full court attire sitting at the royal Balcony next to her husband the King.
The original silver gilded toilet Service of Queen Marie Leczinska has disappeared therefore when recreating it I decided to get my inspiration from certain containers that were part of a silver gilded coffee set that did belong to her, of course in did alter them to better fit with their toilet service purpose.
