Will Schwetzingen be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List? Nervousness still predominates among those responsible, who would like to see the ensemble consisting of the palace, gardens and the old town center protected and specially presented. In the summer of 2009 the World Heritage Committee will make its decision on the application. A great deal has been and is still being done to present Schwetzingen as a worthy candidate. The cover story of the new issue takes stock of the current situation.
Two very different artists are honored in portraits. The first is Johann Heinrich Dannecker, a student of the Carlsschüle, a friend of Schiller and a court sculptor, who was born 250 years ago. Important works of this talented sculptor can be found in the Stuttgart Staatgalerie, as well as in Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg and Monrepos palaces. – The second artist portrait covers the painter Karl Weysser. In the 19th century the painter wandered primarily through his homeland of Baden with a sketch pad. His detailed works became important documents for monument preservation. One of those works, a painting of Heidelberg which the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg was able to purchase, will soon be on display in the Ruprecht Building (Ruprechtsbau) of Heidelberg Castle.
The section entitled "Vitrine" (Showcase) focuses on an amphora vase from the Biedermeier period. The blue and gold piece of Ludwigsburg Porcelain is adorned with a bright flower garland in radiant colors. Stylized swans serve as handles. It was probably a gift of the Württemberg court to Amalie, a daughter of Henriette of Württemberg. The object is on display in the palace in Kirchheim an der Teck.
Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden has played a role in all four of this year's Schlösser issues. The recently concluded exhibition entitled "Extra schön" (Extra beautiful) in the Baroque residential palace in Rastatt honored the sovereign as a commissioner of buildings, an art collector and a ruler. The current issue covers the last years in the life of this extraordinary woman, who died 275 years ago.
The series "Adel verpflichtet" (Noblesse Oblige) explains titles and ranks and their history and importance. This time it's the Palgrave's turn. The trip tip takes readers to Bad Mergentheim, to the town with a 950 year history. An important phase was the age of the Deutscher Orden (Teutonic Order), which left its marks on the town's appearance. On our excursion to the Modemuseum (Fashion Museum) in Ludwigsburg we take a look at the development of women's hat fashion from the Baroque period until today.
And last but not least, this issue contains a Schlösser contest puzzle for faithful readers. The occasion for this is the 15th anniversary of the printed magazine. Three questions on various aspects of Heidelberg Castle must be answered correctly to have a chance at winning.
In addition to other interesting topics, the issue also contains a calendar of events, the detailed version of which can be called up at this website: >>> Events
The issue is available here in German only.