Yesterday I visited the National Museum’s exhibition on Maria Theresia (German spelling; in English she is known as Maria Theresa), Mother Empress of the Austrian Empire. It is chock full of interesting facts for European history buffs, but even if history isn’t quite your cup of tea, the royal artefacts are really something to look at.

Maria Theresia

While some of you may be more well accquainted with her daughter, Marie Antoinette (the Queen of France, perhaps most remembered for her “Let them eat cake.” response to the starvation of the French people), Maria Theresia was a remarkable woman who effectively managed both family and state.

Being a woman, her ascension to the throne was both unexpected and unwelcome, resulting in her having to fight off a number of invasions, including the War of Austrian Succession. Not only did Maria Theresia manage to retain her throne, she instituted many reforms, and was regarded as an enlightened monarch.

Habsburg Family Tree
The exhibition also touches on her ancestry and her personal life. Maria Theresia was part of the Habsburg Monarchy, or the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg. When she ascended the throne, the Habsburg empire was already vast. Interestingly, unlike other empires, the Habsburgs gained their territories mostly through marriage.

Franz Stephan at age 15, when he was brought to Vienna and brought up together with Maria Theresia.
She was married to Franz Stephan (Francis I); though it was an arranged marriage, it was also a love match.

You can also learn more about her children:

Maria Christina
Maria Christina, her favorite child, and the only one of her daughters who was allowed to marry for love.

Isabella of Parma
Or Maria Theresia’s son, the Emperor Joseph, and his ill-fated love match with Isabella of Parma, who died after 3 years of marriage.

And of course, her most famous child, Maria Antonia, better known by her French name, Marie Antoinette.

Bust of Marie Antoinette

But if history isn’t quite your cup of tea, you’ll still be wowed by the royal artefacts.

Medallion commemorating the reign of Maria Theresia
This gold (and I am not referring merely to its colour!) medallion was made to commemorate the reign of Maria Theresia. Such things were often specially made and given out to guests at important events. Boy, would I love to get door gifts like these. (:

Gold and ebony breakfast set
And if that doesn’t impress you, perhaps this gold and ebony breakfast set, used by Maria Theresia in her private chambers, will. If she eats from solid gold in her chambers, one can only wonder what is used for grand occasions.

18th century aristocratic clothing
Also on display are clothing and other artefacts from Maria Theresia’s time (18th century). All in all, the exhibition is definitely worth going, even if just to marvel at the splendour of royal life. At $8, the admission may seem a little pricey to some, but considering the freight of the exhibits (most of which come from Vienna) alone costs a few hundred thousands, it seems like a worthwhile price. For students and NSmen, rejoice, as you will enjoy half priced entry ($4).

Maria Theresia – Mother Empress of Habsburg Austria runs till 31 Jan 2007 at the National Museum.