Madame Tussaud: Her Life and Legacy

Madame Tussaud is known for her wax museums, but her original wax models were of famous and infamous people she knew during the French Revolution. These were people who changed the world, and the wax figures were depicted in scenes drawn from the horrors she experienced during the reign of terror in Paris. This book shows how her traumatic and cataclysmic experiences became part of her legacy, creating a succession of scenes in wax that were visceral and intense.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Madame Marie Tussaud, a renowned figure globally, is celebrated for her pioneering wax museum chain that traces its roots back over two centuries. While her wax models have captured the likenesses of countless famous and infamous individuals, it is lesser-known that her original creations often featured figures from the lives of those she encountered during and after the French Revolution. These individuals, including Voltaire, Robespierre, and Napoleon, left an indelible mark on history, shaping the world as we know it.

However, the depth of Madame Tussaud's legacy extends beyond her famous wax figures. This book delves into the profound impact that the traumatic and cataclysmic experiences of her early life had on her artistic journey. It reveals how she transformed these experiences into a series of captivating wax scenes, recreating events as she personally witnessed them. Madame Tussaud's wax sculptures were not mere replicas; they were visceral and lifelike, often crafted from the living person's head or even from the recently guillotined head of a former house guest. This unique approach captivated audiences during her time, offering them a deeply immersive way to engage with history.

The story of Madame Tussaud is intricately woven through a series of captivating anecdotes and in-depth insights drawn from a comprehensive study of her life and the dramatic times in which she lived. This narrative style appeals to both avid history enthusiasts and those with a casual interest in this extraordinary tale. By exploring the life and work of Madame Tussaud, this book offers a unique perspective on the past, shedding light on the events that shaped our world and the individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping it.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 235 x 163 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526734082