Das Erzherzogskleid

This narrow robe, which widens slightly towards the hem, has an asymmetrical opening at the front with three buttons. It has long sleeves that are slit as far as the elbow and a small stand-up collar. Criss-crossing bands of gold and pairs of roses provide the pattern on the magnificent red silk fabric. The cut is reminiscent of men's house robes of the type worn in the 18th century, but in principle it also matches the undergarment that is part of the vestments of the Golden Fleece (Wiener Meisterstückbuch der Schneiderzunft, 1787) and thus belongs in the category of stately attire. Archduke Joseph wore the robe on 27 March 1764 in the procession to his coronation as king of the Romans at St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Frankfurt. An addendum made on 16 December 1764 to the Treasury's inventory of 1750 lists the robe in all its parts as the "new archducal habit, fashioned for His Majesty the King's coronation". A belt of the same material has also been preserved. It has a clasp of gilt brass and a baldric for a sword. The red, ermine-trimmed velvet mantle has been lost.