If you have visited An Historian About Town at all, you are probably not surprised to see that my last Ornament of the Day of Blogmas 2024 is an historic figure. I don’t have as many as you might think. Of course I’ve got Jane Austen, Mary, Queen of Scots, and King Louis XIV (the Sun King). I’ve got another tragic royal woman to share, though- it seems only fair that she gets to enjoy the festive holiday season now. Today (ahead of her birthday on Tuesday), we have our Ornament of the Day: Empress Sisi ornament!
Who is Empress Sisi?
Empress Sisi is also known as Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The couple married in 1854 and Sisi, originally a Bavarian princess, quickly became known across Europe for her beauty. However, although looking the part of an empress with a beautiful complexion and long, gorgeous hair, Sisi struggled at court. She chafed under the formalities and restrictions. And her relationship with her mother-in-law was exceedingly strained.
Sisi’s life has become the subject of multiple recent period dramas, including The Empress on Netflix. While I will be sharing more in 2025, Nancy Goldstone has a book on Sisi (and Empress Eugenie of France) out in February.
Empress Sisi Ornament
While I would love this ornament anyways- I find Sisi’s complex life fascinating- it is based on one of my favourite portraits from my favourite artist. If you have seen a Winterhalter portrait, it is probably this portrait of Sisi. And while you can’t see it from this photo of the ornament, she has sequins in her hair to mimic the stars! I cannot say no to a good historical reference.
Do you have any historical ornaments on your Christmas tree?
Cheers,
The Historian
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