What was until then a mere hypothesis is now authenticated by cutting-edge technology. Marie-Antoinette and the Comte de Fersen have indeed maintained an affair.
Sifted through X-rays, the correspondence maintained between June 1791 and August 1792 by the queen and the one who organized her abortive flight to Varennes will have finally betrayed these discreet lovers.
Crossed out passages
Since 1877 - the date on which a grand-nephew of the count revealed the existence of these letters - crossed out passages have cast doubt on the nature of the relationship between the queen and Axel de Fersen. By deciphering eight of the fifteen crossed out letters, the Rex II program, carried out jointly by the Conservation Research Center (CRC) and the “ Heritage and Cultural Dynamics ” laboratory (DYPAC), has unraveled the mystery.
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The acquisition of a new scanner using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) precipitated the discovery. Non-invasive, this technique makes it possible to identify the elements contained in the inks of the missives, without a sampling being necessary. When the initial ink and the ink used above to erase the text are different, the scanner ends up revealing the underlying text.
"I only live to love you"
Marie-Antoinette to the Count of FersenSo what is the content of these crossed out letters? The context in which they were written was particularly troubled, and the feelings between the two lovers seem elated.
The Earl of Fersen declares his love for the queen frankly: “ I love you madly. (...) To see you, to love you, to console you is all I want. »Equally in love, Marie-Antoinette replied:« I only live to love you ... »
It remains to be seen who wished to camouflage certain passages of these fiery letters. The ink used by Fersen and the ink for erasures have many common components.
It is therefore likely that the Swedish count himself crossed out the letters, no doubt to ensure that they would not harm the Queen. Madly in love, of course, but careful.