Rectangular silk and lace blanket, circa 1900. Blankets of this type were kept in a lady's boudoir and served decorative purposes. Occasionally, they were used to cover a chaise longue. This one appears to have never been used, but has been very well preserved and stored over the years. Machine-made lace, both as a cover and around the edge. Four pink silk bows in the corners. Gathered silk appliqués all around. Well preserved. There are a few tears in the silk on the back, probably from storage. The pillow and blanket belong together.

Dimensions: ~ 150 x 165 cm

This blanket belongs to Maria Immakulata, née Archduchess of Austria and Duke Robert of Württemberg. Maria was a sister-in-law of Marie-Valerie (a daughter of Empress Sisi/Elisabeth of Austria), a great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Leopold II of Austria, and a great-great-great-granddaughter of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. On October 29, 1900, Maria married Duke Robert of Württemberg, a son of Duke Philipp of Württemberg and Marie Theresa of Austria, who was five years her senior. An entire trousseau was made for this royal wedding, which probably included this blanket. The blanket was probably made in Vienna as a wedding gift to the bride or bridegroom.

The jewels of Maria Immakulata were auctioned for millions of euros at Sotheby's in Geneva in November 2023.

We have acquired this pillow, along with other wonderful and rare pieces, from the estate of Dr. Alexander Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1933-2024).

Biographical details: 
Maria Immakulata of Austria (full name: Maria Immakulata Rainera Josepha Ferdinande Theresia Leopoldine Antoinette Henriette Franziska Karoline Aloysia Januaria Christine Philomena Rosalia; * September 3, 1878 in Baden (Lower Austria); † November 25, 1968 at Altshausen Castle, Altshausen, Baden-Württemberg) was a born Archduchess of Austria as well as Princess of Tuscany and by marriage Duchess of Württemberg.
Maria Immakulata was descended from the House of Habsburg. She was the seventh child and fourth daughter of Archduke Karl Salvator of Austria-Tuscany and his wife Maria Immaculata of Naples-Sicily. Maria Immaculata died in 1968 at the age of 90 at Altshausen Castle in Württemberg, where she was also buried.