A new exhibition, „Bruch und Kontinuität“ , has opened at the Hofmobiliendepot (Möbel Museum Wien) of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, dedicated to the last days of the Austrian Monarchy and the legacy of the Habsburgs.
On this occasion, it seems that a display case that used to contain the Austrian Crown Jewels before the fall of the Dynasty and their eventual disappearance, is being presented to the public with photographs, and the original cases, of the jewels.
Vitrine XIII der Weltlichen Schatzkammer mit den Kronjuwelen, 1895 © Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien:
A full press release was made availaible, but I can't access some of the documents, including the file entitled '10. Kronjuwelen' (under 'Saaltext'), please let me know if you can open it…
https://kommunikation.schoenbrunn.at/index.php/s/7znPz2SfFtn0RFm The extent of the jewellery that was designated as Crown Property during the Imperial era is unclear to me. I see at least three tiaras, the crown, and numerous necklaces (including pearls) on the 1895 photograph.
I have listed here what I think was part of that treasury, and I hope some members of the board can share their knowledge of this interesting subject.
The Brilliant-Crown , made for Empress Maria Anna in 1836 by Court Jeweller von Mack, and used subsequently for Hungarian Coronations, is seen on top of the original 1895 photograph.
[in Lord Twining's 'A history of the crown jewels of Europe']
Bertalan Székely, Queen Elisabeth of Hungary, Empress of Austria, in Hungarian coronation robes, 1869, oil on canvas, 269 × 175 cm, Makó, József Attila Museum [Wikimedia commons]
Empress Zita after the Hungarian Coronation, 1916.
I don't know what became of the Crown.
The Ruby Parure , made for the 1854 wedding of Empress Elisabeth from the rubies belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France, brought to Austria by her daughter Marie Thérèse.
(tiara not illustrated)
This set has been often associated with Empress Elisabeth, who wears it in many portraits.
A replica set is displayed in the Sissi Museum at the Hofburg [© Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.]
I once read that the Rubies were stolen from Empress Zita after the end of the Monarchy, by a man pretending he was going to sell them.
The Emerald Parure , incorporating Ivy motifs, made by Köchert in 1878 (?) from stones belonged to Empress Maria Theresa.
This necklace is featured in the book: Köchert - Imperial Jewellers in Vienna - Jewellery Designs 1810-1940
This box labelled ' Chatons ' (French for collets) may have contained some of the Diamonds that were worn by Empress Elisabeth 'Sissi', such as the big collets, which were apparently detachable, and worn on different necklaces, as seen on these portraits:
Elisabeth von Österreich (1837-1898), Kaiserin von Österreich, etc. etc. Lithographie von Eduard Kaiser
Empress Elisabeth in Hungarian Coronation Dress, 1867.
The big diamond necklace as well as the diamond tiara may well have been part of the Crown Jewels.
„Bruch und Kontinuität“
Hofmobiliendepot - Möbel Museum Wien
5. Dez. 2018 bis 30. Juni 2019