Lady Oscar - Die Rose von Versailles #2

Lady Oscar, known as The Rose of Versailles, was originally serialized in the Japanese manga magazine Margaret starting in 1972. Created by Riyoko Ikeda, the series is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, focusing on Oscar François de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a man to serve in the Royal Guard. Ikeda’s work is celebrated for its intricate historical drama and pioneering influence on the shojo genre, effectively blending political intrigue with romantic tragedy.

The character design and art style were heavily influenced by Ikeda’s desire to explore gender roles and class struggle within the rigid structure of the pre-revolutionary French court. When this material was collected into individual volumes or subsequent editions, the covers frequently featured Ikeda’s signature delicate linework and lush, romantic aesthetic. These editions were received as landmarks in manga history, remaining enduring icons of mid-1970s Japanese popular culture.