Exhibition preview 2024: Anton Domanöck and a breakfast service for Maria Theresa
The upcoming exhibition of the Coin Cabinet in Vienna “Imperial Impressions – The Emperors and their Court Artists” is dedicated for the first time to artists who worked in the courtly environment of the Habsburg (Lorraine) rulers and created artistic masterpieces here in the form of medals and sculptural works. In the run-up to the opening in February 2024, we are presenting some selected masterpieces, which can then be viewed in the original on site.
We begin with Anton Matthias Domanöck (1713-1779) and the breakfast service for Maria Theresa from 1750. The set of high-carat gold, ebony and porcelain comprises more than 70 individual pieces. It is one of the few ensembles of its kind preserved in the world and is considered a major work of 18th century Viennese goldsmithing. The so-called "Goldenes Nachtzeug" is recorded in an addendum to the Treasury inventory of 1773: "das goldene Nachtzeug von weyland Ihrer K.K.A. Majestät der Kaiserin" was handed over to the Treasury by the “Geheime Kammerzahlmeister” in January 1781. The "Nachtzeug" is understood to mean the breakfast service for Maria Theresa, consisting of plates, chocolate, coffee and tea vessels, and the toilet set for Franz Stephan. In their formal language, the chased and florally decorated cups and vessels are indebted to the Rococo. Both ensembles were probably never in use and served as show objects for imperial representation.
Domanöck is best known for his portrait medals, among them a medal for Franz I Stephan and Maria Theresia for the fourfold secured succession to the throne by male heirs from 1754.
On the obverse we find the ruling couple in a staggered double portrait to the right. Both are distinguished by laurel wreaths. While Franz I Stephan is shown in scale armour with an ermine fur trimmed cloak above, we see Maria Theresa in a simple dress without baroque decorative ornamentation. Only the folds indicate a cloak. The four sons of the imperial couple are depicted on the reverse, also in a staggered bust portrait. While the younger Joseph, Karl Joseph and Peter Leopold appear merely in armour and in lace garments, Joseph as first-born and heir to the throne - from 1780 as Joseph II. Emperor - is emphasised by a chiselled armour and additionally with the Order of the Golden Fleece. The artist's monogram "AD" appears as a signature in a prominent position on both sides: once on the right below the chest of Francis I Stephen and once on the right below the four children.
Both works are characterized by the extraordinary implementation of the baroque formal language in precious material and a multi-layered iconography.
The exhibition can be seen at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna from February 13, 2024!
