Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection

Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 1070. Emerald and diamond pendant, attributed to Köchert, 1890s.

From the Collection of Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Duchess of Württemberg (1870-1902)

Emerald and diamond pendant, attributed to Köchert, 1890s

Auction Closed

November 7, 12:14 PM GMT

Estimate

5,500 - 9,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

From the Collection of Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Duchess of Württemberg (1870-1902)


Emerald and diamond pendant, attributed to Köchert, 1890s


Designed as a Latin cross collet-set with cabochon emeralds, enhanced with cushion-shaped diamonds, the loop set with cushion-shaped diamonds, unsigned, fitted case stamped Köchert.

Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Duchess of Württemberg (1870-1902)

Margarete Maria, Duchess of Württemberg (1902-1945)

This pendant was part of the estate of Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Duchess of Württemberg (1870-1902). It was bequeathed by her husband Albrecht, Duke and Crown Prince of Württemberg (1865-1939) to their daughter Margarete Maria, Duchess of Württemberg (1902-1945) in 1913.


Theresian Ladies Stift


bess of the Imperial and Royal Theresian Stift for Noble Ladies from 1886 to 1893. This was a secular semi-monastic order founded by Empress Maria Theresa at Palais Rosenberg within the confines of Prague Castle in 1755. In 1918, it was abolished following the end of the Habsburg monarchy. Its aim was to support impoverished noble women. They were not obliged to take religious vows and were at liberty to leave the order to marry. This lifestyle of a secular canonesses goes back to medieval times where it was a way for aristocratic women to live a retired, contemplative life without committing to religious vows.


The Princess-Abbess leading the Imperial and Royal Theresian Stift for Noble Ladies was always an unmarried Austrian Archduchess appointed by the Emperor. Over time it became a prestigious honorary function bestowed on high-ranking Archduchesses in their youth prior to making an important marriage alliance. For instance, Archduchesses Maria Theresa (1816-1867) and Maria Christina (1858-1929), the future Queens of Naples and Spain, held the function of Princess-Abbess for a short duration in their teenage years.


The installation of the Princess-Abbess was celebrated with a lavish religious ceremony during which the newly appointed Abbess wore a black gown, a closed crown and the Order of the Starry Cross while carrying a large golden staff. Several holders of the position, including Archduchess Margarete Sophie, were portrayed wearing this ceremonial costume.