Jan Thomas: Emperor Leopold I in theatrical costume, 1667

Baroque Austria

1648–1740

This is the age of magnificent courtly display. Under Leopold I work starts on the rebuilding of Schönbrunn Palace and on additions to the Hofburg in Vienna. At the same time the era is marked by large-scale military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and France. During the 'Great Turkish War' the parts of Hungary occupied by the Turks are conquered, resulting in huge territorial gains for the Habsburg Monarchy. In the west of the Empire the expansionist ambitions of the French king Louis XIV lead to a protracted series of wars.