Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina died on November 29th, 1780. Shortly before her death, she refused to sleep, telling her family: ““Why do you want me to sleep when at any moment I could be called before my judge? I am afraid to sleep, I do not want to be taken by surprise. I want to see death coming.”
(..) She was a sensation wherever she went: a long black gown that could be buttoned up at the bottom, a white parasol made of leather and a brown fan to hide her face from curious looks became the trademarks of the legendary Empress of Austria.
(…) She paid extreme attention to her appearance and would spend most of her time preserving her beauty. Her diet and exercise regimens were strictly enforced to maintain her 20-inch (50 cm) waistline and reduced her to near emaciation at times (symptoms of what is now recognised as anorexia).
Elizabeth Alexeievna,Empress consort of all the Russias(1801 - 1825).
Empress Elisabeth travelled restlessly through the Mediterranean.Travel had become the sense of her life but also an escape from herself.
Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia.
Source: Royal Russia.
Coronation mantle and dress of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia.
Source: Royal Russia.
