Report: The 40th Anniversary of The Rose of Versailles

The Rose of Versailles has been capturing the imagination of its numerous fans ever since Riyoko Ikeda first released it in the weekly magazine Margaret (Shueisha) in 1972. Held in six cities across Japan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of that release, The Rose of Versailles Exhibit has ended its highly acclaimed run at the Sogo Museum of Art.

Set before and during the French Revolution in 1789 and dramatically depicting the heroic lives and love of the beautiful Oscar who dresses in men’s garb and the tragic queen Marie Antoinette, The Rose of Versailles is a popular shoujo manga that could be called a legend. The manga has been adapted into both an anime and a show in the all-female Takarazuka Revue, has been translated in different languages from around the world, including France where the story is set, and continues to gain fierce support from fans even now.

The Rose of Versailles Exhibit was made up of four chapters, and the first chapter, “Comic: Rose of Versailles Original,” immediately draws you into the world of the manga. The approximately 150 pieces of color illustrations and the original pages of major scenes from the 82 installments of the manga, which ran in the weekly magazine Margaret from April 1972 to December 1973, follow the lives of Oscar and Marie Antoinette.

Kept in safekeeping by the artist Ikeda herself, the pristine beauty of the original pages drew the attention of visitors.

Color illustrations that graced the cover of *Margaret*, each a work of art exceeding a size of 350 mm by 250 mm © Ikeda Riyoko Production

A famous scene was displayed on a large panel, and the case displayed its original artwork. It brought back vivid memories of an intense, painful scene where Oscar and André reach out to each other.

A scene where Oscar takes command of the taking of the Bastille. © Ikeda Riyoko Production

The second chapter, titled “Stage: Takarazuka Revue Rose of Versailles,” featured displays of 14 posters of the productions from the first one in 1974 to now, as well as props alongside photographs of members of the different casts. Inside there was also an area where the dazzling stage was recreated and costumes such as Oscar’s military uniform and one of the elegant dresses were put on display. It was impressive to see.

Photos were allowed to be taken of the costume display, and every time a curtain call was chimed in, visitors could pose with props used by the actors and take pictures. © Takarazuka Revue

The actual chime used on stage, Oscar’s violin, and the wine bottle and poison André used to commit double suicide with Oscar. Also Louis XVI’s lock, and other items. © Takarazuka Revue

The third chapter, “Film: Anime Rose of Versailles,” featured 30 cels and 20 planning sheets from the pilot of the anime The Rose of Versailles, which aired from October 1979 to September 1980, and also included a video compilation of famous scenes. One corner of the exhibit was based on a project called “Portraits of Oscar” and displayed beautiful colored portraits of Oscar drawn by 40 different artists, including the author.

Original artwork of the end illustration by animation director and character designer Michi Himeno © Ikeda Riyoko Production / TMS

Animation planning sheet. Detailed specifications such as the color of Oscar’s eyes and the highlights of her broach were drawn in pencil. © Ikeda Riyoko Production / TMS

Bringing together a wonderful dream cast of artists, including Chiho Saitou of Revolutionary Girl Utena, Tomoko Ninomiya of Nodame Cantabile and Bisco Hatori of Ouran High School Host Club.

The fourth chapter was titled “And Now: The Expanding World of Rose of Versailles” and featured 25 pieces of original art of the four-frame comics Rose of Versailles Kids that Ikeda contributes to Asahi Shimbun, as well as translated versions of the manga released in other countries. One illustration in particular of Oscar and Antoinette drawn specially for this exhibit drew the eyes of visitors.

The Rose of Versailles is a favorite in many places around the world, including France, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand.

A display of merchandise which included a Rika doll wearing Oscar’s outfit, pen cases, and hand towels.

The souvenir shop sold numerous original items for the exhibition, such as a completely made-to-order Oscar military uniform and rose-scented soap, and was very successful. The exhibit averaged 1,054 people a day during its run, showing that the popularity of this series still hasn’t faded.