We visited Kammerhofmuseum Bad Aussee in Austria, where an exhibition spotlights the lives of Archduke John and Anna Plochl. The presentation by curator Monika Gaiswinkler was particularly enlightening; she presented some of the preserved original garments and accessories alongside replicas of their wardrobe.
Part of the ARACNE project pays homage to Archduke John. He is recognized for pioneering viticulture in the Štajerska or Merano region in Slovenia, where the University of Maribor’s Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences stands today.
Anna’s familial ties lead back to the Celje area in Slovenia, creating a cultural bridge between the regions. One of the exhibition’s highlights is a renowned watercolour that captures the couple during a romantic boat ride on lake Grundlsee. This moment in time is also digitally preserved through ARACNE’s virtual replicas of their clothing, allowing us to experience the past with modern technology.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who enabled this visit and offered us such a warm reception.
- Photo credit: Sonja Šterman
- Photos of watercolours and painting replicas were taken with the kind permission of Franz Meran.
- Photos of garments and accessories were taken with the kind permission of Kammerhofmuseum Bad Aussee.