Die Dekorationen zum Besuch des Kaiserpaares in Zagreb / Agram im Jahr 1818. Antike Vorbilder als Mittel für die (Neu)Konstruktion des Herrscherbildes
The decorations for the imperial couple's visit to Zagreb in 1818. Ancient models as a means for the (re)construction of the ruler's image.

Summary/Abstract: After the Napoleonic Wars, Emperor Francis I. and Empress Karoline Auguste's extensive travels to the newly acquired lands of Istria and Dalmatia as well as to banal Croatia ended with magnificent festivities lasting several days in June 1818 in Zagreb. The aim of this politically very important trip was to consolidate the unity of the new monarchy and at the same time to show the affection and patriotism of its inhabitants. On the occasion of the emperor's visit, the buildings and streets in the cities were equipped with elaborate decorations, designed according to models from the art of antiquity. Not only the decorations and the ephemeral architecture were designed according to the models from ancient art, but also the ceremony of the entry. The antique motifs and elements have been part of the representation of the Habsburgs since the 16th century. This is most evident in the ceremony of the Adventus Imperialis, the ceremonial entry of the emperor after the coronation. In the report of the responsible city officials, the Zagreb festivities were also described as Adventus Urbem Zagrabiensis. In the art and culture of Croatia in the 18th century, the tradition of antiquity played a very important role, with antiquity, and especially the Latin language, being an integral part of the cultural system. This circumstance enabled and accelerated the spread of classicism in art at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century. This text analyzes the classicist decorations of Zagreb festivities, their ancient models, and the current political context.

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