Miniature cabinet in Schönbrunn: Restries of the Empire revealed!

Miniature cabinet in Schönbrunn: Restries of the Empire revealed!

The miniature cabinet in Schönbrunn, which was set up in the late 1760s during the last years of the Empress, is surprising insight into the artistic world of the Baroque. Anna Mader-Kratky, the head of the scientific direction of the Schönbrunn Group, explained the origin and special character of the room in a conversation with the APA. The miniatures made on parchment offer a fascinating view of the creative talent of the imperial family with their copper engravings and drawings from the imperial possessions.

Birgit Schmidt-Messner, an art historical researcher, describes the miniatures as a variety of representations that include portraits, genres scenes and amorous encounters. The original templates for these miniatures were partly discovered in the Albertina collection, and it is currently being examined how these templates have been transferred to the parchment. This loving detailed work not only reflects the artistic talent of the children of the imperial couple, but also the emperor's passion for art.

insights into the private life of the imperial family

The miniature cabinet is an unmistakable testimony of the 18th century, even if there are only a few sources about the private life of the imperial couple. Historical photos show Zita, the last Empress of Austria, together with her son Otto in this room. These photos were of crucial importance for the restoration, since they were able to document the two -color of the wall paneling and thus convey an authentic image of the room.

The interiors are rich in colors and have been revised several times over the years. The fact that restorer Martin Siennicki came across a baroque stucco ceiling, which is 80 centimeters above today's dome, joined the fact that restorer Martin Siennicki was exchanged. This discovery indicates that the old stucco ceiling was not removed when setting up the room, but a new ceiling was drawn in, which preserves the historical character of the miniature cabinet.

challenges in restoration

The logistical challenges that the team had to deal with during the restoration due to the small base area of the room were considerable. The miniatures themselves, which were in excellent condition, were removed and restored in the studio. The subsequent newontage was carried out in a "packaging" protected by climate, with the historical decorative framework preserving. Although the miniature cabinet is not accessible to visitors, it can be viewed through a door in the "million room".

The context of the Baroque, which is characterized by magnificent opulence and dramatic staging, gives these miniatures a special cultural value. The baroque art, which dominated from 1600 to 1750, reflects the contradictions between the stylish life of the upper class and the challenges of the broad population. While the miniatures in the miniature cabinet are the artistic heyday of the imperial period, this is also a mirror for understanding the society of the time and its artistic forms of expression. The remarkable techniques of baroque painting, such as Chiaroscuro and lively colors, still have a deep impact on today's art world.

For further information and deeper insights into baroque art and its influence, visit ars mundi. .