Putti that romp between arranged flowers and fruit are shown on the cover of the new issue of Schlösser. This detail is taken from a painting in the Schwetzingen Bath House (Badhaus). A visit to this picturesque place is especially recommended following the building's restoration.
The Bath House was built in the Schwetzingen palace garden around 1772 as a private refuge for Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate according to plans of the architect Nicolas de Pigage. Here the sovereign could take a rest from the rigorous court ceremony and receive artistically inclined friends. He enjoyed taking walks through the garden.
In the Schwetzingen palace garden water plays an important role as a creative element. The technical equipment of the historic water works from the electoral age has been preserved until today. Actually, it consists of two facilities. They are among the oldest systems of their kind in Europe and were in operation until the 1950's.
We also bring news from Mannheim Palace in the current issue. The palace once again has a throne room! The story of the reconstruction of the throne ensemble, of which only the chair has been preserved in its original state, is fascinating reading. The seating furniture in the style of early Classicism was purchased in 1995 by the Baden State Museum (Badisches Landesmuseum) from the Margrave's collection. At that time probably no one knew the importance of the piece for Mannheim Palace. A black console table from the palace's Blue Salon (Blauer Salon) is presented in the section "Vitrine" (Showcase). It once belonged to the furnishings of Grand Duchess Stéphanie.
Two articles describe what the life of princesses in centuries past was like. The first provides an insight into the upbringing of girls and young women in the 18th century. Elector Carl Philipp of the Palatinate was responsible for the upbringing of his three granddaughters. The later Electress Elisabeth Augusta and her sisters had to master a tightly organized daily schedule. Their opinion was not decisive. - The situation was similar for the Württemberg princess Katharina. King Friedrich, her father, married her to one of Napoleon's brothers for reasons of state. The second article describes how things went for Katharina.
In the current issue you can also read a sovereign portrait of Duke Friedrich I of Württemberg (1557 – 1608). He was born 450 years ago in Mömpelgard. The reform-minded ruler promoted trade and industry and distinguished himself as a builder, who worked together closely with the architect Heinrich Schickhardt. His political actions are still the subject of controversy. – The trip tip takes readers to Mömpelgard. Our author traveled to the former Württemberg possessions in eastern France at the speed of a horse-drawn coach – on a bicycle.
In the 16th century Kirchheim unter Teck was one of the most important Württemberg state fortresses. The foundation walls of the palace bear witness to this well-fortified past. Those who want to learn more about "casemates and bastions" can take a corresponding special tour in Kirchheim.
The world of monasteries is described in various articles in the new issue. For example, the topic of the art of healing and personal hygiene in the medieval monastery is covered with the example of Alpirsbach. At Schöntal Monastery the 850th anniversary of its founding will be celebrated this year with an extensive program of festivities. The exhibition "Old Views of Schöntal Monastery" (Kloster Schöntal in alten Ansichten), which impressively documents the changes that took place there, is particularly interesting. – At Schussenried Monastery two new exhibition rooms have been open for a few months now in which, among other things, architectural models important for art history are on display.
"All Kinds of Decoration – Baroque Treasures in Weikersheim Palace" (Allerhand Zierrathen – Barocke Kostbarkeiten in Schloss Weikersheim) is the title of a new permanent exhibition. The treasures presented were once mainly collected by Count Carl Ludwig of Hohenlohe and his wife Elisabeth Friederike.
In addition to other interesting topics, the magazine also contains a calendar of events, the detailed version of which can be viewed via this continually updated website.
The issue is available in German here.