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| Picture by Kolohe |
The Maria Theresa Monument is one of the most impressive and historically significant landmarks in Vienna, Austria. Empress Maria Theresa was the only woman to rule the Habsburg Empire and one of Austria's most influential monarchs.
During her reign, she made sweeping reforms in education, public administration, taxation, healthcare, and the military. She established compulsory primary education and was the mother of sixteen children, including Marie Antoinette, the future Queen of France.
After 13 years of work, the bronze and marble monument by sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch was completed in 1888. The monument depicts Maria Theresa on her throne, holding the decree that secured her right to inherit the Habsburg lands and a scepter symbolizing her authority. She has her right hand extended in a welcoming gesture toward her people.
Around the base stand 16 life-sized bronze figures representing military leaders, statesmen, physicians, scholars, and advisors who helped shape her 40-year reign (1740-1780). Four field marshals on horses guard the monument's corners. The allegorical figures around the monument symbolize Wisdom, Justice, Strength, and Clemency, qualities Maria Theresa wished to be remembered for. The monument is sited between the Naturhistorisches and Kunsthist Museums.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The Naturhistorisches Museum is considered to be one of the world's finest museums of natural science. It was founded in 1748 by Emperor Franz I Stephen, husband of Empress Maria Theresa, when he purchased 30,000 specimens for the museum. Today, the museum has more than 30 million specimens, but only a small fraction is on display to the public.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
