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Madame Tussaud was an actual person.
She was born Marie Grosholtz in Strassbourg, France on December 1, 1761. Her father got killed in the seven years war two months before she was born.
Her mother, Anne Made, took her to Berne where she moved to work as a housekeeper for Dr. Philippe Curtius (1741-1794). There she took the Swiss nationality. Curtius was a physician, and was skilled in wax modelling, which he used to illustrate anatomy. Later, he started to do portraits. Tussaud called him uncle. Curtius moved to Paris in 1765, starting work to set up a wax figure cabinet. In that year he made a waxwork of Marie Jean du Barry, Louis XV's mistress. In 1767, Tussaud and her mother joined Curtius and also moved to Paris. Curtius taught Tussaud the art of wax modelling. She started to work for him and showed a lot of talent. She created her first wax figure, of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 1778. Other famous persons she modelled at that time include Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin.
In Paris, Tussaud became involved in the French Revolution. She met many of its important figures, including Napoleon and Robespierre. On the other hand, she was also on very good terms with the royalty. In particular, from 1780 up to the revolution in 1789, she taught art to the sister of Louis XVI. In fact, they were so pleased with her that, on their invitation, she lived at Versailles.
However, Tussaud was arrested by the revolution on suspicion of royalist sympathies. In prison, she awaited execution by guillotine together with Joséphine de Beauharnais (the first wife of Napoleon). Even though Tussaud's head was already shaven for her execution, she was saved for her talent in wax work and employed to make death masks of the victims of the guillotine, some of whom had been her friends. Among others, she made death masks of Marie Antoinette... (one of her most famous work ever which is still to be seen today in Madame Tussaud's wax museum in New York)
In 1795, she married François Tussaud. She established her first permanent exhibition in Baker Street in 1835 (on the "Baker Street Bazaar"). In 1838, she wrote her memoirs. In 1842, she made a self portrait which is now on display at the entrance of her museum. Some of the sculptures done by Tussaud herself still exist.
What else can I help you with?
What is Marie Tussaud's birthday?
Marie Tussaud was born on December 1, 1761.
When did Marie Tussaud set up Madame Tussaud's?
In 1834.
How old was Marie Tussaud at death?
Marie Tussaud died on April 16, 1850 at the age of 88.
How old is Marie Tussaud?
Marie Tussaud was born on December 1, 1761 and died on April 16, 1850. Marie Tussaud would have been 88 years old at the time of death or 253 years old today.
When did madame tussaud die?
Marie Tussaud died on April 16, 1850 at the age of 88.
Who made death mask of Louis XVI?
Marie Tussaud
Who was the first wax figure?
The first wax figure is often attributed to Marie Tussaud, who created lifelike wax sculptures in the late 18th century. Tussaud's early works included figures of notable individuals, such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Her wax museum, which opened in London in 1835, showcased these figures and became a significant cultural attraction. While there were earlier wax figures created by various artisans, Tussaud's work is the most famous and influential in establishing the genre.
What has the author John Theodore Tussaud written?
John Theodore Tussaud has written: 'The Romance of Madame Tussaud's' -- subject(s): Madame Tussaud's
Can I record video in Madame Tussaud's?
Yes, you can record video in Madame Tussaud's.
When was Midnight at Madame Tussaud's created?
Midnight at Madame Tussaud's was created in 1936.
What is the duration of Midnight at Madame Tussaud's?
The duration of Midnight at Madame Tussaud's is 1.05 hours.
What is the name the museum famous for its wax figure?
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London with smaller museums in a number of other major cities. It was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud.
