Commode, second half of 19th century

Keep secret

A look behind the scenes: What is life like as an empress? What does an emperor eat? What does he wear? Where does he live and where does he sleep? How does he pay? The balance between private and public spheres changed over the centuries of Habsburg rule. Ultimately the monarchs tried to combine the extremes of being demonstratively close to their people and remaining majestically unapproachable. Then there were always members of the dynasty who tarnished the image of the ‘ideal family’.