...is a good description of Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden, who was born in 1675 and died in 1733. The State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg will devote an exhibition to this extraordinary woman and sovereign on the occasion of the 275th anniversary of her death with the title "Extra schön. Markgräfin Sibylla Augusta und ihre Residenz" (Extra beautiful. Margravine Sibylla Augusta and her residential palace) at Rastatt Palace from 12 July to 21 September. The exhibition will show new facets of her personality and provide general insights into life in the Baroque age.
This, for example, applies to the aspect of piety. The church was given great importance, particularly in the age of Enlightenment. Religion was present in a large number of rituals and represented a means for monarchs to position and present themselves. An article in the new issue of Schlösser deals with the churches and chapels of Sibylla Augusta in Bohemia (her homeland) and in Baden. The correspondence between the two is striking.
This time the "Vitrine" (Showcase) section focuses on an agate lidded goblet. In the days of the Margravine, it was kept at the Baroque residential palace in Rastatt. The precious cut stone vessel is 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) high and was produced from a single agate block. Cherry-red sparkling garnet stones adorn the piece, which was very probably made in Bohemia and came into Sibylla Augusta's possession via her grandmother Anna Magdalena Lobkowitz.
The Weikersheim Palace Gardens with their waterworks have existed for 300 years now. Count Carl Ludwig commissioned "the routing of the spring lying high above on the mountain into the palace gardens" back in 1707. A new special guided tour deals with this topic. The exact title is: "Von Brunnen und Fontänen: Die Wasserversorgung des Schlossgartens" (About wells and fountains: the water supply of the Palace Gardens). In the anniversary year the fountain of the Hercules Fountain (Herkulesbrunnen) can be viewed on selected dates.
The Botanical Gardens (Botanischer Garten) in Karlsruhe are also well worth a visit this year. Grand Duke Carl Friedrich of Baden had the complex laid out in 1808. New garden documentation in the Archway Building (Torbogenhaus) has provided interested visitors with information on the earliest history since the spring. Until fall there will be special exhibitions, for example on plants of the Orangery or old varieties of dahlias.
The current issue of Schlösser Magazin also explores some of Baden-Württemberg's many monasteries. 200 years ago, Duke Heinrich, the brother of the first King of Württemberg, entered the monastery "Wiblingen Palace". The two brothers were not on good terms. Duke Heinrich, who was popular with the people, regularly criticized the politics of the sovereign in leaflets. - New exhibits recently went on display at the museum in the former Benedictine abbey. These include paintings and furniture connected with the monastery.
There was great excitement in Alpirsbach 50 years ago. The announcement of the monastery finds was making its rounds. Everyday objects from six centuries came to light during renovation work. This is one of the most important finds in the history of German monument preservation. On 3 August a diverse program with special guided tours and attractions for children will be offered at the monastery to mark this occasion.
The next stop on our monastery tour is Schwäbisch Hall. 900 years ago Count Heinrich founded Kleincomburg Monastery. In the anniversary year a new guide system provides better orientation for visitors. In the Hällisch-Fränkisches (Hall-Franconian) Museum liturgical vestments from the Comburg Church Treasure (Comburger Kirchenschatz) can be admired until 14 September. The restored pieces were long kept in the Vestry (Sakristei) of St. Nikolaus at Großcomburg Monastery.
The artist portrait in this issue presents Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708 – 1770). The native of Heidelberg began as a gardener who enjoyed painting flowers and was celebrated as the most important illustrator of modern botany at the end of his life. - The series "Adel verpflichtet" (Noblesse Oblige) explains titles and ranks and their history and importance. This time the article covers the Margrave.
In addition to other interesting topics, the magazine also contains a calendar of events, the detailed version of which can be viewed at this constantly updated website.
The issue is available here in German only.