Fashion and Hermesvilla

08/15/06

Today we went to the palace that Franz Joseph constructed in an attempt to keep Sissy near Vienna. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of Hermesvilla. It was much more toned down than the rest of the imperial buildings. After coming and seeing all of these magnificent buildings, I have come to the conclusion that I don’t really like the Baroque style. I don’t like how decadent and excessive it is and how ridiculously over the top it is. I really like the neo-Classical, neo-Gothic, and even the modern styles. But I really don’t like the Baroque. I felt that the villa was much less traditional Baroque than the other residences. This would make sense because, supposedly, Klimt was involved in the decoration of the building. I really liked the use of the dark woods throughout the house instead of the white pseudo-stone moldings that were used a lot in the other residences. Granted, Sissy’s bedroom was covered in gold and ridiculous decorations, but most of the rooms were tame compared to the other estates. Perhaps it seems like a contradiction that I complained about the lack of Imperial feeling in the first palace and now I’m excited about the tamer appearance of Hermesvilla. However, this isn’t actually a contradiction. The tame nature of this residence seemed to me to say “I’m imperial, but this is where I go to relax and be at least somewhat normal.” I thought it was tragic that Sissy didn’t spend time there. It really seemed like what she would like. It had plenty of history, art, sports, and it was less courtly and fairly separate from the bustle of Vienna proper. I think she probably didn’t like being even that close to Vienna and that is why she didn’t stay there. I think she was a tragic figure trapped in her life just as her whole family was. Diane was arguing that her behavior was purely selfish and she was a terrible brat. I didn’t read about Sissy for my choice book, but from what I’ve seen and heard in the various museums, I think much of her “selfish” behavior were her desperate attempts to conform to the role society created for her. She tortured her body to become a mythical being in the eyes of the people. I think her escaping frequently was her attempt to grasp some normalcy for her life. I think Rudolf’s dabbling with writing and women and Franz Joseph’s obsession the military life and his delight in his children were similar ways to try to be somewhat normal. I thought it was interesting to see so much Titania imagery in the villa. I know she identified with Titania but I think it is interesting that Franz Joseph would use that as a central theme for his wife’s house. I also thought it interesting that the painting in her bedroom was of Titania with Bottom and not with Oberon. This seems to be true to their relationship but I would have assumed that F.J. would have tried to emphasize the fairies’ reconciliation.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere of Hermesvilla.