New acquisitions

New acquisition by the association: reconstruction of a historical ladies‘ dress based on designs from the second half of the 18th century

Maria Magdalena van Beethoven loved beautiful dresses and owned an elegant wardrobe. At least, that is how Cäcilie Fischer (1762-1845) remembered it, having lived in the same house as her for many years and been in close contact with her and her family.
This fact inspired the friends and supporters of the Mutter-Beethoven-Haus to commission the reconstruction of a festive dress that would correspond to those owned by Beethoven’s mother.
Dr. Beate Marks-Hanßen, Purpurvilla, Bonn, was responsible for making the dress, the undergarments, and the bonnet. She based her work on depictions from Bonn and Koblenz that were created in the second half of the 18th century—such as a portrait of Anna Ries, who was married to Ludwig van Beethoven’s violin teacher. A silhouette showing Helene and Eleonore von Breuning and a portrait of Jakob von Düsseldorf’s wife, which can be seen in the basement of the museum, also served as models.
The ensemble created in this way and exhibited in the Mutter-Beethoven-Haus museum consists of a dress in the style of the so-called “robe à l’anglaise” (English-style dress), as worn by ladies of the nobility and upper middle class during Maria Magdalena van Beethoven’s lifetime, and an organza bonnet with large bows and satin ribbons.

But it is not only the outer garment that corresponds to historical models from the second half of the 18th century; the undergarments do too. A bodice (laced bodice) and two voluminous petticoats were worn over a shirt. And a special feature of the “Robe à l’anglaise,” the “Cul de Paris” (i.e., the puffing up of the dress at the back of the body by means of two pads worn under the skirts), was not omitted either. However, these garments can only be seen during special presentations at the museum.

(HERE further information on the new acquisition)

 

Baroque house in Ehrenbreitstein (Helfensteinstr. 86 /corner Humboldtstr.) Former  house of the composer and church musician  Josef Buschmann (1893–1966). Oil, middle of 19^th century, later mounted on hardboard  18 x 24 cm. Auctioned by M. Diehl at auction house Lux, Koblenz, 17 and 18/3/2023, starting price: €80,00.

Middle Rhine Museum Koblenz – Inv.-no.: still missing

(permanent loan from the sponsors of the Mother Beethoven House)

HERE you can find more new exhibits.