Coronation Coach ("The Imperial Carriage")
18th century
The most elegant carriage of the Viennese Court, a "grand carrosse" with eight windows made of Venetian glass, is thought to have been built around 1735/40 for Emperor Karl VI (1685 - 1740) and later converted several times. The paintings on the coach panels show allegories of the virtues of the ruler which are thought to refer to Karl's daughter, Empress Maria Theresia (1717 - 1780). The "Imperial Carriage" was an insignia representing the power of the dynasty and was only used at the most important events. Originally, the coach was drawn by six white horses from the Kladrub Imperial Stud Farm, but after 1851, eight horses were used. The "Imperial Carriage" was used exclusively by the Emperor, the Empress and the Crown Prince on the most important state occasions. It was last used during the coronations in Milan (1838) and Budapest (1867, 1916). (MKR)
The most elegant carriage of the Viennese Court, a "grand carrosse" with eight windows made of Venetian glass, is thought to have been built around 1735/40 for Emperor Karl VI (1685 - 1740) and later converted several times. The paintings on the coach panels show allegories of the virtues of the ruler which are thought to refer to Karl's daughter, Empress Maria Theresia (1717 - 1780). The "Imperial Carriage" was an insignia representing the power of the dynasty and was only used at the most important events. Originally, the coach was drawn by six white horses from the Kladrub Imperial Stud Farm, but after 1851, eight horses were used. The "Imperial Carriage" was used exclusively by the Emperor, the Empress and the Crown Prince on the most important state occasions. It was last used during the coronations in Milan (1838) and Budapest (1867, 1916). (MKR)
Time:
18th century
Object Name
Coronation Coach ("The Imperial Carriage")
Dimensions:
677 cm × 355 cm × 212 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Wagenburg
Invs.
Wagenburg, W 1