Praise to God
Church textiles from the time of Maria Theresa
Imperial Treasury, Vienna: “
” May 4–November 7, 2016
Executive Board of the KHM Museum Association: Director General Dr. Sabine Haag and Dr. Paul Frey
Project Manager, Exhibition Production: Dr. Katja Schmitz-von Ledebur
Exhibition Contribution: Christof Cremer
The Ecclesiastical Treasury houses a significant collection of 18th-century vestments, which cannot be permanently displayed for conservation reasons. It owes its origins primarily to the generous endowments 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 to make the liturgical vestments, which were further embellished with embroidery. Imperial robes were also occasionally altered to serve as chasubles.
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the diversity and high quality of the textile collection at the Vienna Treasury, which eloquently bears witness to the *Pietas Austriaca*, the piety of the House of Austria.
The exhibition also features a selection of contemporary liturgical vestments designed by the two artists Christof Cremer and Stephan Hann. They illustrate the high standards still expected of liturgical vestments today, which remain an essential part of the worship service.
