Empress Elisabeth of Austria with her children Rudolf and Gisela 1858

Josef Kriehuber created this watercolor of Empress Elisabeth of Austria with her children sometime in the mid-19th century. This intimate scene of the Empress with her young children, Rudolf and Gisela, offers a glimpse into the private life of the Austrian royal family. What does this image tell us about the social expectations placed on royal women during this era? We see Elisabeth in a domestic setting, surrounded by symbols of motherhood. The carefully arranged composition, with its soft colors and gentle light, creates an aura of tranquility and serenity, reinforcing the image of the Empress as a loving and devoted mother. This carefully constructed image was intended to project an image of stability and continuity for the Habsburg dynasty. But, it’s important to remember that this is a carefully constructed representation, shaped by the artist's vision and the expectations of the imperial court. By delving into the social and political context, we can begin to unravel the complex layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple portrait. Consulting the royal archives might reveal a very different picture!