An intimate look at the Habsburgs | The photographer who was allowed to see everything # 2023

Snapshots from the imperial family: Isabella Croÿ-Dülmen, a Habsburg by marriage, had access and permission to take photographs on all occasions. Her photo collection offers a unique insight into the non-official part of the aristocratic and social life of the monarchy. A selection of the best pictures can be seen publicly for the first time in this new film production for Erbe Austria by Susanne Pleisnitzer. 

Among other things, Isabella von Croÿ was the first to take photos of the future heir to the throne, Franz-Ferdinand and Sophie Chotek, when this liaison was still top secret. The photographs present an unobstructed view of the inner life of the nobility in action: on the tennis court, while skiing, while hunting, at Christmas and at carnival celebrations. 

She also photographed the simple people and thus gives an insight into the everyday life of this time. As the wife of Archduke Friedrich, who was the wealthiest Habsburg at the time, she had enough money and time to pursue this hobby, which was unusual at that time fo r a woman.