God's praise
Ecclesiastical textiles from the time of Maria Theresa
Imperial Treasury Vienna
From 4 May to 7 November 2016
Management KHM Museumsverband: GD Dr. Sabine Haag and Dr. Paul Frey
Project management exhibition production: Dr. Katja Schmitz-von Ledebur
Exhibition contribution: Christof Cremer
In the Spiritual Treasury there is an important collection of 18th century paraments, which cannot be presented permanently for conservation reasons. It goes back above all to the rich foundations of Emperor Charles VI (1685-1740) and his wife Elisabeth Christine (1691-1750) as well as their daughter Maria Theresa (1717-1780). In many cases precious fabrics from France or Italy were used for the production of the liturgical garments, which were additionally heightened with embroidery. Imperial robes were also sometimes reworked into ornaments.
The exhibition gives an insight into the diversity and the high quality of the textile collection of the Viennese Treasury, which eloquently bears witness to the Pietas Austriaca, the piety of the House of Austria.
The exhibition also includes a number of selected contemporary paraments designed by the two artists Christof Cremer and Stephan Hann. They document the high standards of liturgical vestments which are still an essential part of worship today.
