#philippe d'orleans

[mr-monchevy]

It’s been about three years since I last painted a Versailles fanart, but here I am again! A Philippe I always wanted to paint, but never did 💙 I have a time-lapse of my painting process here, if anyone is interested! Please don’t repost, but reblog 🥰 ko-fi | instagram

[h50europe]

Modern MonChevy by me

[unclefungusthegoat]

So I've been thinking about THIS:

for like a whole day now, and it's got me like:

So here are my notes and questions and thoughts:

Gonna be long, going to put under a 'keep reading'

THE PEOPLE INVOLVED

Simon Mirren. He created Versailles, and him posting this image suggests that he's working on a project related to Versailles or the Louis XIV period of history.

'He's back'. The word 'back' here absolutely suggests a return of someone we're familiar with.

Alex Vlahos is INVESTED in whatever it is - suggesting 'HE' is Philippe. He liked the post and commented 'Makes you wonder why he ever went away'...

... and then David Wolstenscroft, the OTHER creator of Versailles, replied saying 'And how'.

This is so cryptic. They all know who 'he' is. Alex seems perhaps wistful, maybe about the end of the show and therefore the end of Philippe. 'And how'... I've no freaking idea what this means. How 'Philippe' went away? How he's come back?

How he went away... the show ended.

How he's come back... well I have a theory later.

This screenshot above is taken from Gabriella Petrillo's Twitter account - as you can see, Alex shared the pic to his Instagram story captioned 'Oh, who invited you?'

Which is in QUOTATION MARKS.

Meaning that this is either Philippe asking the audience, or a general character tagline for the project.

OTHER PEOPLE WHO LIKED THE PIC

Anna Brewster (Montespan), Sarah Winter (Louise de la Valliere), Raphael Roger Levy (The Masked Man in S1), and also Nicki Oebel who works with Alex as the second half of his film company Cowhouse Films

TAGGED NAMES

Tagged in this picture are:

ALEX VLAHOS (and his tag is directly on the man's head, which might not mean anything, but suggests it's him)

EVAN WILLIAMS (not him, Chevy is blond)

GEORGE BLAGDEN (the only other real candidate as to who this could be, but compared side by side to the Versailles promo photos, and with the lack of response from George, I doubt it)

STUART BOWMAN (too young to be him)

Also tagged: Versailles Series, MonChevy Love, Versailles fan club.

Bonus: Helen Mirren (Simon Mirren's aunt), Bella Thorne, both actors, and also Louis Vuitton Official and Harris Reed, both fashion houses/designers

THE IMAGE

OK, so lets assume this is meant to be Philippe.

COSTUME/HAIR

The jacket is the wrong style for 1600s Versailles. It's more 1700s, and the real Philippe died in 1701. The costume designers for the original show were METICULOUS in their choices and the way things were worn. Including COLOUR PALATTES. Every character had their own. And Philippe only wore white like this once... at the costume party in S1 E9 when he dressed identically to Louis. Generally, Philippe wore more grey and silver.

If the figure is Philippe, the hair is the right colour, but shorter, and also half up, which is not a style Philippe ever wore in the show. His hair was sleeker with much looser waves, whereas this man has quite thick hair.

LOCATION

I think the Chateau in the photo is Fontainebleau, where some of Versailles was filmed, but I can't find a direct parallel photo from the position 'Philippe' is standing in. However, Fontainebleau has lots of water near it, like in the photo. (And I also feel like I saw Alex visiting there on Instagram within the past few months but I don't know if my brain is playing tricks on me)

IS IT AI?

My sister pointed out the image could be AI generated and honestly? I agree. No hands on show, and the bottom of the sleeves look a bit weird. No location tagged either. Historical costume that isn't quite right for the period we're assuming it to be, or for Philippe's character, which wouldn't be inkeeping with the series' aesthetic.

Could definitely be AI.

REALITY CHECK

Versailles was the most expensive show Canal+ had ever produced. I think it still is. And a new series, or spinoff series, would be just as expensive to produce. This isn't Game of Thrones we're talking about. The show has its hardcore fans, but it wasn't exactly a household name, which studios would throw masses of money at to reboot.

The story of S3 of Versailles also ended in the early-mid 1680s, just as the cast were reaching the point where it seemed ludicrous that they all still looked so young. The cast are now all doing different projects, several have married and had children since. They've moved on with their lives. To think they'd all return to a reboot or spinoff show... is unlikely.

However...

SAINT CLOUD

Alex Vlahos tormented us all with this snippet of a 'Saint Cloud' concept trailer a couple of months ago. Saint Cloud was the name of Philippe's chateau, and his spinoff idea was always a MonChevy comedy show about their lives and debauchery and stuff at their home.

But let's face it, this whole thing feels unlikely, and more just like a bit of a fun idea than something that a studio would actually produce, and he's only just started writing a concept trailer...

BUT.

SPEAKING OF...

ALEX VLAHOS

I'm gonna do a whole section on Alex Vlahos, because there's no way he's not involved. He, in fact, announced something at the convention that gives me my biggest theory about what this is.

Alex is obviously a driving force for the Versailles fandom. He was a key figure at the conventions and at the con in May I went to, and on Instagram shortly after, he announced he is going to do a Versailles podcast next year. It'll be a 30 episode thing, one for each episode of the show, and he said he'll have guest stars to chat to... including other actors and the showrunners, Simon Mirren and David Wolstencroft.

So.

That is a CONFIRMED upcoming Versailles project.

And so this image?

MY THEORY

I'm running with the theory that it's is a promo image for Alex's Versailles podcast, possibly made with AI.

It would make sense.

It's something for the fans, hence the tagged accounts. It'll feature the tagged actors to talk about the show. It's not something that is going to cost a million euros to make, so is more realistic. It's not a long term commitment for actors who have other jobs now.

It shows a man who looks a bit like Philippe - looking back at the chateau, as if reminiscing about his time there... just as Alex is going to do on his podcast.

BUT'S

Of course, this is just my theory. If it is the case, the fact that this podcast had already been announced twice makes the mysterious nature of this pic/conversation weird. And the fact that it was Simon Mirren posting it first, not Alex Vlahos, would be weird too, although maybe it's just because it's going to be quite an 'official' thing, with the support of the showrunners.

But I digress.

Anyway, on a final note, I would VERY VERY VERY willing to be proven wrong, and have a Versailles S4 or a MonChevy spinoff happening, I might actually cry if it does hahahaha

[paintandroses]

For Valentine's Day; a beautifully-dressed MonChevy moment for Philippe & his Chevalier.

[acrossthewavesoftime]

Just Some Good, Old-Fashioned Family Fun (Featuring the Orléans Family)

Wir waren alle 4 abends allein hier im cabinet nach dem nachtessen, nemblich Monsieur, ich, mein sohn und mein tochter. Monsieur, so uns eben nicht vor eine gute compagnie genung hielte, mit uns zu reden, liess nach langem stillschweigen einen grossen lauten furz met verlöff met verlöff, drehte sich zu mir und sagte : « quetce que cela, Madame ? » ich drehte den hintern zu ihm, liess einen streichen in selbigen ton und sagte : « c’est cela, Monsieur ». mein sohn sagte : « s’il ne tient que cela j’en ay autant d’envie que Monsieur et Madame. » Und liess auch einen braven gehen. Damit fingen wir alle an zu lachen und gingen alle aus dem cabinet heraus. Das seind fürstliche conversationen, wie E. L. sehen, und sollte man curieux sein noch, meine briefe aufzubrechen, so offerierte ich zum neuen jahr dem, so der erste diesen brief vor E. L. aufbrechen und lesen sollte, diesen weihrauch.

Translation:

We were all four alone in the cabinet in the evening after dinner, namely Monsieur, I, my son and my daughter. Monsieur, who just deemed us not to be good enough company to talk to, and after a long silence, let loose a, pardon me, pardon me, big loud fart, turned to me and said: "what is this, Madame?" I turned my rear towards him, farted in the same tone and said: "that's what it is, Monsieur." My son said: "If it that is all it takes, I desire [to do] it as much as Monsieur and Madame." and let loose a bold one, too. At that, we all started laughing and left the cabinet. As Your Grace sees, these are princely conversations and if one should be so curious as to open my letters, I offer him who is the first to open and read this letter to Your Grace upon the occasion of the new year this same incense.

Elisabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate, Duchess of Orléans to her aunt Sophie, Electress of Hannover, 1 January 1693.

[veresart]

Prince Philippe

[aristosakielon]

Does anyone know where this painting is located? Which museum? It is not at Versailles?

[didanagy]

A LITTLE CHAOS (2014)

dir. alan rickman

[slashonmydash]

How Philippe looked talking about the man in the iron mask

[unanchored-ship]

a eugene of savoy and the first philippe ever drawn i think

do not ask why eugene is 👉👈 i was probably high while drawing that

[h50europe]

#MonChevy - They fought all the time and challenged each other every day. But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common. They were crazy about each other. - The Notebook

[unclefungusthegoat]

Don't mind me, just anguishing over the fact that when they're together, Chevy calls Philippe 'mignonette' and 'my dear' and 'my love' and 'darling'...

... and when they're broken up, he calls him 'Your Highness'.

[paintandroses]

A tender Monchevy moment for Valentine's Day.

[acrossthewavesoftime]

After Hyacinthe Rigaud, Lieselotte von der Pfalz, c. 1713, Versailles collections, via Wikimedia Commons.

I am currently looking through a reprint of a late 18th century edition of anecdotes from Lieselotte von der Pfalz's letters and some of the things she has to say about her son are... quite something.

(That's him, by the way. Jean-Baptiste Santerre, Philippe, Duc d'Orléans, c. 1710-1717, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, via Wikimedia Commons.)

Her letters contain comments on his political exploits, his home life with a rather difficult spouse, his ex-marital affairs, his health and a lot on the side. Here are some excerpts, translated from the original German by me:

3 August 1717: I don't know where my son takes his considerable patience from. the late Monsieur [Lieselotte's husband and Philippe's father] was not patient, and neither am I.

10 August 1717: When my son was still some 14 or 15 years old, he was not ugly, yet he has since been burnt by the sun of Spain and Italy in such a manner that he [his complexion] has grown exceedingly brownish-red. He is not tall, and yet, fat. His nasty eyes cause him to squint frequently, and he walks badly. I love him from the bottom of my soul, but I cannot comprehend how one could fall in love with him, because he has no gallant manners and is not discreet.

25 November 1717: My son can cook, he learned it in the army in Spain.

14 June 1718: He is not handsome, and does not fancy himself to be; he has an ugly gait, but when he dances, it is as if he becomes another person, and carries himself with considerable gracefulness; he does not dance badly, either.

31 January 1719: My son loves his legitimate and illegitimate daughters a lot more than his sons.

28 February 1719: His wife thinks that she has done my son an honour in marrying him, for he is but the son of a king's brother, but she a king's daughter; she will not comprehend that she's a whore's child.

6 October 1719: My son is not discerning: as long as the ladies are of good humour, eat and drink heartily and are saucy, they do not require beauty; I have often reproached him for loving so many ugly ones.

17 November 1719: My son, despite being regent, never comes to or departs from me without kissing my hand. He will not take a chaise before I embrace him, and, by the way, is not shy and is sweet in chatting with me, we laugh and chatter together like good friends.

[newsfromthehouseofbourbon]

January 7, 2024: Welcome to 2024!

Okay, I have been writing (and there is a LOT). However, I've had to deal with bedbugs for the past six months (and going). I have no time to go into the logistics (and the blame sits squarely on the shoulders of my stepsister), but I'm here to have some fun and tell you about what is going on with the HOB.

Without too much detail of the private conflicts that plagued this project since its creation upon the heels of the success of @tkwrtrilogy2, @tkwrtrilogy, and @tkwrtrilogy3, there has been an overhaul. Also, the latest addition to the trilogy will make its debut on Wattpad (but will come here eventually).

First, the OVERHAUL: Welcome to the HOB Universe.

You're asking yourself: WTF is this? Well, the best explanation of it can be seen here. All that applies is that this takes place in 17th-century France rather than Middle Earth.

I will be overhauling the Tumblr for @lesecretdelamaisondubourbon. There is a reason, but to find that out, you'll have to read the memoir about all of this (TBA). Either way, it comes on the heels of family drama and the death of a friendship that was supposed to last forever (according to her). But, the book (known by the title XIV) is going up on Wattpad, so while it is being overhauled over here, you can read it in its proper order over there.

XIV: The life and times of Louis XIV as told by Louis XIV--if you haven't figured that out yet. It is part of Book III; his father's story (@thesecretofthehouseofbourbonbook) is Book II.

Now, about that other book: The original title of the book (that was going to be written by my former co-author) was Monsieur. If you guess that the book was going to be about Philippe I, Duc d'Orléans (younger brother of Louis XIV), you were right.

If you think this is a retelling of centuries of rumor and innuendo, you would be wrong. This will be his story--told by Philippe. Under the title of Son of France (Fils de France in French), this is the story you were never told. After 383 years, it is time.

His story officially began in January of 2024, and he will be following his brother Louis here once he debuts on Wattpad. Stay tuned for more. He's part of the universe now.

[xradiant]

"I don't know how to apologize for this." He said, his voice low and full of dreariness as he knelt down in front of the cell so that he could catch Mat's eyes. He swallowed down thickly which looking through the bars and seeing the state that they had thrown him in. He looked forlorn and depleted. Philippe felt an anger swirling inside of him and he wanted to march straight to his brother's rooms and demand answers. He wanted to know what it was that had happened and why it was that he had done this. He and Mat had just gotten back from the trenches and here he was thrown into the prisoner like a common criminal. "I don't know what my brother is thinking doing this." His voice raised and he stood up to pace the length of the cell as he tried to arrange his thoughts. "He will answer for this, I promise you." His breathing had gotten hoarse and he turned around to face the cell, leaning against the bars and looking down at his friend, his comrade. "But…Mat…" his voice broke and regret threaded through him. "…what started this? Did something happen that would make my brother do this?" and he hated even letting the words come from his mouth.

@luckhissoul