Collection of 19 Gloves, ca. 1900 – Wedding Trousseau of Maria Immakulata of Austria & Württemberg

Historical Provenance: Maria Immakulata

This impressive collection of 19 gloves comes from the personal estate of Maria Immakulata, born Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Tuscany, and later Duchess of Württemberg. As a member of the Habsburg‑Tuscany line and sister‑in‑law of Marie‑Valerie (daughter of Empress Elisabeth “Sisi”), Maria Immakulata belonged to one of the most distinguished branches of the imperial family.

The gloves were purchased in Vienna from the renowned k.u.k. Hof‑Handschuhlieferant Fr. Adam’s Sohn, located at Wiedener Hauptstraße 12, a supplier not only to the Imperial and Royal Court of Austria‑Hungary, but also a Royal Spanish Court Purveyor. These gloves formed part of Maria Immakulata’s wedding trousseau, created for her marriage to Duke Robert of Württemberg on 29 October 1900 in Vienna.

Construction & Materials

The collection includes both long and short gloves made of suede and kidskin, in worn and unworn condition. The variety reflects the luxurious and practical needs of a high‑ranking aristocratic bride at the turn of the century.

Unworn suede gloves (long)

• Quantity: 5 — Length: approx. 54 cm

• Quantity: 3 — Length: approx. 74 cm

Unworn suede gloves (short)

• Quantity: 2 — Length: approx. 30 cm

Unworn kidskin gloves (short)

• Quantity: 4 — Length: approx. 30 cm

Additional pieces

• Three pairs of long gloves, worn

• One pair of men’s suede gloves, unworn

Historical Context & Fashion Significance

This rare ensemble offers a remarkable insight into aristocratic fashion culture around 1900 and represents a museum‑worthy textile group with exceptional Habsburg‑Württemberg provenance. High‑quality gloves were essential elements of court etiquette, symbolising refinement, status, and the social expectations placed upon noblewomen during formal occasions.

Provenance

We acquired this collection, together with other rare and historically significant pieces, from the estate of Dr. Alexander Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1933–2024).