Biography Empress Elisabeth of Austria

1 biography

1.1 duchess in bavaria
1.2 empress of austria
1.3 physical regimen
1.4 beauty
1.5 marriage
1.6 birth of son
1.7 hungarian coronation
1.8 travels
1.9 mayerling incident

biography
duchess in bavaria

elisabeth @ 11 years, brother karl theodor, duke in bavaria, , dog bummerl @ possenhofen castle

born elisabeth amalie eugenie on 24 december 1837 in munich, bavaria, fourth child of duke maximilian joseph in bavaria , princess ludovika of bavaria, half-sister of king ludwig of bavaria. maximilian considered rather peculiar; had childish love of circuses , traveled bavarian countryside escape duties. family s homes herzog-max-palais in munich during winter , possenhofen castle in summer months, far protocols of court. sisi , siblings grew in unrestrained , unstructured environment; skipped lessons go riding countryside.

in 1853, princess sophie of bavaria, domineering mother of 23-year-old emperor franz joseph, preferring have niece daughter-in-law rather stranger, arranged marriage between son , sister ludovika s eldest daughter, helene ( néné ). although couple had never met, franz joseph s obedience taken granted archduchess, once described man in hofburg authoritarian manner. duchess , helene invited journey resort of bad ischl, upper austria receive formal proposal of marriage. fifteen-year-old sisi accompanied mother , sister , traveled munich in several coaches. arrived late duchess, prone migraine, had interrupt journey; coach gala dresses never did arrive. family still in mourning on death of aunt dressed in black , unable change more suitable clothing before meeting young emperor. while black did not suit eighteen-year-old helene s dark coloring, made younger sister s blonder looks more striking contrast.

helene pious, quiet young woman, , , franz joseph felt ill @ ease in each other s company, instantly infatuated younger sister. did not propose helene, defied mother , informed if not have elisabeth, not marry @ all. 5 days later betrothal officially announced. couple married 8 months later in vienna @ augustinerkirche on 24 april 1854. marriage consummated 3 days later, , elisabeth received dower equal today s 240,000 usd.

empress of austria

the young elisabeth shortly after becoming austrian empress (by amanda bergstedt (sv), 1855)

after enjoying informal , unstructured childhood, elisabeth, shy , introverted nature, , more among stifling formality of habsburg court life, had difficulty adapting hofburg , rigid protocols , strict etiquette. within few weeks, elisabeth started display health problems: had fits of coughing , became anxious , frightened whenever had descend narrow steep staircase.

she surprised find pregnant , gave birth first child, daughter, archduchess sophie of austria (1855–1857), ten months after wedding. elder archduchess sophie, referred elisabeth silly young mother , not named child (after herself) without consulting mother, took complete charge of baby, refusing allow elisabeth breastfeed or otherwise care own child. when second daughter, archduchess gisela of austria (1856–1932), born year later, archduchess took baby away elisabeth well.

the fact had not produced male heir made elisabeth increasingly unwanted in palace. 1 day found pamphlet on desk following words underlined:

...the natural destiny of queen give heir throne. if queen fortunate provide state crown-prince should end of ambition – should no means meddle government of empire, care of not task women... if queen bears no sons, merely foreigner in state, , dangerous foreigner, too. can never hope looked on kindly here, , must expect sent whence came, seek win king other natural means; struggle position , power intrigue , sowing of discord, mischief of king, nation, , empire...

her mother-in-law considered source of malicious pamphlet. accusation of political meddling referred elisabeth s influence on husband regarding italian , hungarian subjects. when traveled italy him persuaded him show mercy toward political prisoners. in 1857 elisabeth visited hungary first time husband , 2 daughters, , left deep , lasting impression upon her, because in hungary found welcome respite constraints of austrian court life. first time elisabeth had met men of character in franz joseph s realm, , became acquainted aristocratic independence scorned hide sentiments behind courtly forms of speech... felt innermost soul reach out in sympathy proud, steadfast people of land... unlike archduchess, despised hungarians, elisabeth felt such affinity them began learn hungarian; country reciprocated in adoration of her.

this same trip proved tragic both of elisabeth s children became ill diarrhea. while gisela recovered quickly, two-year-old sophie grew steadily weaker, died. assumed today died of typhus. death pushed elisabeth, prone bouts of melancholy, periods of heavy depression, haunt rest of life. turned away living daughter, began neglecting her, , relationship never recovered.

in december 1857 elisabeth became pregnant third time in many years, , mother, had been concerned daughter s physical , mental health, hoped new pregnancy recover.

physical regimen

equestrian portrait of elisabeth @ possenhofen castle, 1853

at 172 cm (5 feet 8 inches), elisabeth unusually tall. after 4 pregnancies maintained weight @ approximately 50 kg (110 pounds, 7 st 12 lbs) rest of life. achieved through fasting , exercise.

elisabeth attached parents, mother, , still child in search of identity of own when adult role unusual obligations , restrictions imposed upon her. had no control in new life , unable identify herself both spouse of emperor , young mother. result, attempted recreate childhood lack of obligations. quality felt herself appreciated, , on had control, physical appearance, started cultivating primary source of self-esteem. obsessively achievement-oriented , compulsively perfectionistic in attitudes, became slave own beauty , image.

in deep mourning after daughter sophie s death, elisabeth refused eat days; behavior reappear in later periods of melancholy , depression. whereas had supper family, began avoid this; , if did eat them, ate , little. whenever weight threatened exceed fifty kilos, fasting cure or hunger cure follow, involved complete fasting. meat filled disgust, either had juice of half-raw beefsteaks squeezed thin soup, or else adhered diet of milk , eggs.

elisabeth emphasised extreme slenderness through practice of tight-lacing . during peak period of 1859–60, coincided franz-joseph s political , military defeats in italy, sexual withdrawal husband after 3 pregnancies in rapid succession, , losing battle mother-in-law dominance in rearing children, reduced waist 16 inches in circumference. corsets of time split-busk types, fastening front hooks , eyes, elisabeth had more rigid, solid-front ones made in paris out of leather, of parisian courtesans , hold under stress of such strenuous lacing, proceeding took quite hour . fact wore them few weeks may indicate leather proved inadequate needs. elisabeth s defiant flaunting of exaggerated dimension angered mother-in-law, expected pregnant continuously.

although on return vienna in august 1862, lady-in-waiting reported “she eats properly, sleeps well, , not tight-lace more”, clothing time until death still measured 18 1/2 – 19 1/2 inches around waist, prompted prince of hesse describe “almost inhumanly slender.” developed horror of fat women , transmitted attitude youngest daughter, terrified when, little girl, first met queen victoria.

in youth elisabeth followed fashions of age, many years cage-crinolined hoop skirts, when fashion began change, @ forefront of abandoning hoop skirt tighter , leaner silhouette. disliked both expensive accoutrements , protocol dictated constant changes of clothing, preferring simple, monochromatic riding habit-like attire. never wore petticoats or other underlinen , added bulk, , literally sewn clothes, bypass waistbands, creases, , wrinkles , further emphasize wasp waist became hallmark.

the empress developed extremely rigorous , disciplined exercise habits. every castle lived in equipped gymnasium, knights hall of hofburg converted one, mats , balance beams installed in bedchamber practise on them each morning, , imperial villa @ ischl fitted gigantic mirrors correct every movement , position. took fencing in 50s equal discipline. fervent horsewoman, rode every day hours on end, becoming world s best, best-known, female equestrian @ time. when, due sciatica, no longer endure long hours in saddle, substituted walking, subjecting attendants interminable marches , hiking tours in weather.

in last years of life, elisabeth became more restless , obsessive, weighing herself 3 times day. regularly took steam baths prevent weight gain; 1894 had wasted away near emaciation, reaching lowest point of 95.7 lbs (43.5 kg). there aberrations in elisabeth s diet appear signs of binge eating, on 1 occasion in 1878 empress astonished travelling companions when unexpectedly visited restaurant incognito, drank champagne, ate broiled chicken , italian salad, , finished considerable quantity of cake . may have satisfied urge binge in secret on other occasions; in 1881 purchased english country house , had spiral staircase built living room kitchen, reach in private.

beauty

portrait of elisabeth depicting long hair (by franz xaver winterhalter, 1864), 1 of 2 so-called intimate portraits of empress; although existence kept secret general public, emperor s favourite portrait of , kept opposite desk in private study

in addition rigorous exercise routines elisabeth practised called true beauty cult, 1 highly ascetic, solitary, , prone bizarre, eccentric, , mystic routines. daily care of abundant , extremely long hair, in time turned dark blonde of youth chestnut brunette, took @ least 3 hours. hair long , heavy complained weight of elaborate double braids , pins gave headaches. hairdresser, franziska feifalik, stage hairdresser @ wiener burgtheater. responsible of elisabeth s ornate hairstyles, accompanied on wanderings. feifalik forbidden wear rings , required wear white gloves; after hours of dressing, braiding, , pinning empress tresses, hairs fell out had presented in silver bowl reproachful empress inspection. when hair washed special essences of eggs , cognac once every 2 weeks, activities , obligations cancelled day. before son s death, tasked feifalik tweezing gray hairs away, @ end of life hair described abundant, though streaked silver threads.

elisabeth used these captive hours during grooming learn languages; spoke fluent english , french, , added modern greek hungarian studies. greek tutor, constantin christomanos, described ritual:

hairdressing takes 2 hours, said, , while hair busy, mind stays idle. afraid mind escapes through hair , onto fingers of hairdresser. hence headache afterwards. empress sat @ table moved middle of room , covered white cloth. shrouded in white, laced peignoir, hair, unfastened , reaching floor, enfolded entire body.

unlike other women of time, elisabeth used little cosmetics or perfume, wished showcase natural beauty, tested countless beauty products prepared in court pharmacy, or prepared lady-in-waiting in own apartments, preserve it. although 1 favorite, crème céleste , compounded white wax, spermaceti, sweet almond oil, , rosewater; attached far less importance creams , emollients, , experimented wide variety of facial tonics , waters, apparently expected more results. elisabeth slept without pillow on metal bedstead, better retain upright posture, either raw veal or crushed strawberries lining nightly leather facial mask. heavily massaged , slept cloths soaked in either violet- or cider-vinegar above hips preserve slim waist, , neck wrapped cloths soaked in kummerfeld-toned washing water. further preserve skin tone, took both cold shower every morning (which in later years aggravated arthritis) , olive oil bath in evening.

after age thirty-two, did not sit more portraits, , not allow photographs of taken, public image of eternal beauty not challenged. few photographs taken without knowledge show woman “graceful, slender”.

marriage

engraving depicting hungarian royal family @ gödöllő palace (circa 1870)

franz joseph passionately in love wife, did not reciprocate feelings , felt increasingly stifled rigidness of court life. unimaginative , sober man, political reactionary still guided mother , adherence strict spanish court ceremonial (spanisches hofzeremoniell) regarding both public , domestic life, whereas elisabeth inhabited different world altogether. restless point of hyperactivity, naturally introverted, , emotionally distant husband, fled him duties of life @ court, avoiding them both as could. indulged wanderings, , unsuccessfully tried tempt more domestic life him.

elisabeth slept little , spent hours reading , writing @ night, , took smoking, shocking habit women made further subject of avid gossip. had special interest in history, philosophy, , literature, , developed profound reverence german lyric poet , radical political thinker, heinrich heine, letters collected.

she tried make name herself writing heine-inspired poetry. referring herself titania, shakespeare s fairy queen, elisabeth expressed intimate thoughts , desires in large number of romantic poems, served type of secret diary. of poetry relates journeys, classical greek , romantic themes, , ironic commentary on habsburg dynasty. wanderlust defined own work:

o er thee, thine own sea birds// ll circle without rest//for me earth holds no corner//to build lasting nest.

elisabeth emotionally complex woman, , perhaps due melancholy , eccentricity considered given characteristic of wittelsbach lineage (the best-known member of family being favorite cousin, eccentric ludwig ii of bavaria), interested in treatment of mentally ill. in 1871, when emperor asked gift saint s day, listed young tiger , medallion, but: ...a equipped lunatic asylum please me .

birth of son

empress elisabeth emperor franz joseph (before 1898)

on 21 august 1858, elisabeth gave birth heir, rudolf (1858–1889). 101-gun salute announcing welcome news vienna signaled increase in influence @ court. this, combined sympathy toward hungary, made elisabeth ideal mediator between magyars , emperor. interest in politics had developed matured; liberal-minded, , placed herself decisively on hungarian side in increasing conflict of nationalities within empire.

elisabeth personal advocate hungarian count gyula andrássy, rumored lover. whenever difficult negotiations broke off between hungarians , court, resumed help. during these protracted dealings, elisabeth suggested emperor andrássy made premier of hungary part of compromise, , in forceful attempt bring 2 men together, admonished husband:

i have had interview andrássy. set forth views , plainly. quite understood them , arrived @ conclusion if trust him – , trust him entirely – might still saved, not hungary, monarchy, too.... can assure you not dealing man desirous of playing part @ price or striving position; on contrary, risking present position, fine one. approaching shipwreck, he, too, prepared in power save it; possesses – understanding , influence in country – lay @ feet. last time beg in rudolf s name not lose this, @ last moment...

...if no, if @ last moment no longer willing listen disinterested counsels. then... relieved forever future... , nothing remain me consciousness whatever may happen, shall able rudolf 1 day; did in power. misfortunes not on conscience.

when elisabeth still blocked controlling son s upbringing , education, openly rebelled. due nervous attacks, fasting cures, severe exercise regime, , frequent fits of coughing, state of health had become alarming in october 1860 reported suffer not green-sickness (anemia), physical exhaustion. serious lung complaint of “lungenschwindsucht (tuberculosis) feared dr. skoda, lung specialist, advised stay on madeira. during time court rife malicious rumors franz joseph having liaison actress named frau roll, leading speculation today elisabeth s symptoms have been psychosomatic result of venereal disease.

elisabeth seized on excuse , left husband , children, spend winter in seclusion. 6 months later, mere 4 days after return vienna, again experienced coughing fits , fever. ate hardly , slept badly, , dr. skoda observed recurrence of lung disease. fresh rest cure advised, time on corfu, improved immediately. if illnesses psychosomatic, abating when removed husband , duties, eating habits causing physical problems well. in 1862 had not seen vienna year when family physician, dr. fischer of munich, examined , observed serious anemia , signs of dropsy (edema). feet swollen walk laboriously, , support of others. on medical advice, went bad kissingen cure. elisabeth recovered @ spa, instead of returning home assuage gossip absence spent more time own family in bavaria. in august 1862, after two-year absence, returned shortly before husband s birthday, suffered violent migraine , vomited 4 times en route, supports theory primary complaints stress-related , psychosomatic.

rudolf 4 years old, , franz joseph hoped son safeguard succession. dr. fischer claimed health of empress not permit pregnancy, , regularly have go kissingen cure. elisabeth fell old pattern of escaping boredom , dull court protocol through frequent walking , riding, using health excuse avoid both official obligations , sexual intimacy. successful avoidance of further pregnancies have been natural reaction having been assigned role of imperial brood mare, bearing child year have taken away her, importance of preserving youthful appearance important influence in decision:

children curse of woman, when come, drive away beauty, best gift of gods .

she more assertive in defiance of husband , mother-in-law before, openly opposing them on subject of military education of rudolf, who, mother, extremely sensitive , not suited life @ court.

hungarian coronation

coronation of franz joseph , elisabeth apostolic king , queen of hungary



photograph of elisabeth queen of hungary (by emil rabending (cs), 1867)

after having used every excuse avoid pregnancy, elisabeth later decided wanted fourth child. decision @ once deliberate personal choice , political negotiation: returning marriage, ensured hungary, felt intense emotional alliance, gain equal footing austria.

the austro-hungarian compromise of 1867 created dual monarchy of austria–hungary. andrassy made first hungarian prime minister , in return, saw franz joseph , elisabeth officially crowned king , queen of hungary in june.

as coronation gift, hungary presented royal couple country residence in gödöllő, twenty miles east of buda-pest. in next year, elisabeth lived in gödöllő , buda-pest, leaving neglected , resentful austrian subjects trade rumors if infant expecting son, name him stephen, after patron saint , first king of hungary. issue avoided when gave birth daughter, marie valerie (1868–1924). dubbed hungarian child , born in buda-pest ten months after parents coronation , baptised there in april. determined bring last child herself, elisabeth had way. poured repressed maternal feelings on youngest daughter point of smothering her. sophie s influence on elisabeth s children , court faded, , died in 1872.

travels

elisabeth s desk @ achilleion in corfu

after having achieved victory, elisabeth did not stay enjoy it, instead embarked on life of travel, , saw little of children. “if arrived @ place , knew never leave again, whole stay become hell despite being paradise”. after son s death, commissioned building of palace in corfu named achilleion, after homer s hero achilles in iliad. after death, building purchased german emperor wilhelm ii. later acquired nation of greece , converted museum.

newspapers published articles on passion riding sports, diet , exercise regimens, , fashion sense. shopped @ budapest fashion house, antal alter (now alter és kiss), had become popular fashion-crazed crowd. newspapers reported on series of reputed lovers. although there no verifiable evidence of having affair, 1 of alleged lovers george bay middleton, dashing anglo-scot. had been named probable lover of lady henrietta blanche hozier , father of clementine ogilvy hozier (the wife of winston churchill). prevent him becoming lonely during long absences, elisabeth encouraged husband franz joseph s close relationship actress katharina schratt.

mayerling incident

photograph of imperial hunting lodge @ mayerling, in crown prince rudolf committed suicide in 1889

in 1889 elisabeth s life shattered death of son rudolf, found dead young lover baroness mary vetsera, in suspected murder-suicide on rudolf s part. scandal known mayerling incident after name of rudolf s hunting lodge in lower austria, found.

elisabeth never recovered tragedy, sinking further melancholy. within few years, had lost father (in 1888), son (1889), sister (1890) , mother (1892). after rudolf s death thought have dressed in black rest of life, although light blue , cream gown discovered hofburg s sisi museum dates time. compound losses, count gyula andrássy died year later, on 18 february 1890. last , friend dead, lamented. marie valerie declared, ...she clung him true , steadfast friendship did perhaps, no other person. whether personal relationship intimate 1 or not, feelings him ones felt country, , knew wholeheartedly reciprocated magyars.

the mayerling scandal increased public interest in elisabeth, , continued icon , sensation in own right wherever went. wore long black gowns buttoned @ bottom, , carried white parasol made of leather in addition concealing fan hide face curious.

elisabeth spent little time in vienna husband. correspondence increased during last years, however, , relationship became warm friendship. on imperial steamer, miramar, empress elisabeth travelled through mediterranean. favourite places cap martin on french riviera, , sanremo on ligurian riviera, tourism had started in second half of nineteenth century; lake geneva in switzerland; bad ischl in austria, imperial couple spend summer; , corfu. empress visited countries not visited european royals @ time: morocco, algeria, malta, turkey, , egypt. endless travels became means of escape empress life , misery.