L'Illustration, No. 2519, 6 Juin 1891

A vivid portrait of Paris in early June 1891 unfolds in this lively chronicle, centered on the grand fête held at the Petit‑Trianon. The author recounts the dramatic staging of “La fête de Trianon,” a tribute to Marie‑Antoinette, while also reflecting on the shocking suicide of Mme Weiss, whose tragic end casts a somber shadow over the glittering performance. Interwoven with sharp observations on the era’s fascination with scandal and spectacle, the piece captures the tension between public spectacle and private despair.

Beyond the theater, the narrative sketches a city awash with balls, concerts, and bustling social gatherings, where aristocratic patrons become de‑facto impresarios. It paints a scene of endless invitations, elegant salons turned stages, and a culture that blurs the line between everyday life and theatrical display. Listeners will feel the pulse of a bustling Parisian summer, where art, intrigue, and society swirl together in equal measure.