Barbara Campbell

This performance was inspired by the life of Marie-Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI, the last Bourbon King of France. In particular, the artist focussed on changing attitudes towards the Queen’s sexuality from “child bride” to “Austrian whore”. The title of the work is taken from a a scandalous episode in which an expensive piece of jewellery was used by associates of the Court to win higher position and greater wealth. The Queen’s name, like the jewellery itself, was traded like a commodity and became soiled in the process.