The commissions for museums and cultural institutions are undoubtedly among the absolute highlights of our work. In spring 2026, we received we a request from the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg for the creation of a Rococo pearl necklace, which will be displayed after the redesign of the permanent exhibition of the Urach Residence Palace in Bad Urach and, after its reopening following several years of renovation and reconstruction work, is to be made accessible to the public again.
The project team for redesigning this exhibition requested a replica of a pearl necklace worn by Duchess Franziska von Hohenheim , a figure of such historical significance to Baden-Württemberg , in one of her portraits. The pearl necklace will be displayed in its own glass case in the new permanent exhibition at Urach Castle, very close to a reproduction of the portrait.
The project team at the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg gave us considerable freedom regarding attention to detail and material selection. After a consultation, we agreed on using the most authentic materials possible, closely resembling the original. In the end, they opted for our preferred solution: a replica made of cultured pearls, silver, and even genuine diamonds, which, at this "Rococo quality," are still quite affordable without putting too much strain on the budget.
We were of course very pleased with this decision, because now visitors to the permanent exhibition can be presented with an object that convincingly conveys the quality and design of the jewelry depicted in the portrait.
We were also granted a certain degree of "design freedom" in the design of the clasp for the pearl necklace, which is not visible in the 1790 painting of Franziska von Hohenheim by the painter Jakob Friedrich Weckherlin. Based on various historical clasps, our proposal to ideally match the shape, material, and proportions of this clasp to the earrings was ultimately accepted.
The result finally convinced the project team and the project management of the new permanent exhibition, and thus, since the end of July 2026, an originally painted Rococo pearl jewelry can be presented to visitors in a particularly vivid way on a permanent basis in Bad Urach.
Duchess Franziska von Hohenheim – An extraordinary woman in 18th-century Württemberg
Duchess Franziska von Hohenheim is one of the most remarkable figures in Württemberg history. Although she was not born into a ruling princely house, her personality, her faith, and her influence on Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg enabled her to play a significant role in the politics and society of her time. To this day, she is remembered as a woman who impressed with her modesty, humanity, and sense of responsibility.
Franziska was born on January 10, 1748, in Adelmannsfelden. Her full name was Franziska Theresia von Bernerdin zum Pernthurn. She came from an old, but not particularly wealthy, noble family. The family lived in modest circumstances and was strongly influenced by the Protestant faith. This religious upbringing shaped Franziska throughout her life. Even as a young girl, she was considered friendly, conscientious, and modest. Unlike many noblewomen of her time, she was less interested in pomp and courtly pleasures than in religious matters and the well-being of others.
At the age of seventeen, she married Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr Leutrum von Ertingen. The marriage, however, was not a happy one. Accounts of the exact reasons vary, but the union proved burdensome and eventually ended in divorce. For an 18th-century woman, divorce was an unusual and often socially difficult step. Nevertheless, this development opened a new chapter in Franziska's life.
In the late 1760s, she met Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg. The Duke was already a well-known and controversial figure at the time. On the one hand, he promoted art, science, and education. On the other hand, he was known for his extravagant lifestyle and numerous love affairs. When Carl Eugen and Franziska met, a close relationship developed between them. Franziska soon became his closest confidante. In 1772, she officially became his life partner.
This union initially met with resistance. Franziska was neither of princely birth nor Catholic, while Carl Eugen, as the reigning duke, was subject to particular social expectations. Nevertheless, the duke persevered with his relationship. In 1774, he elevated Franziska to the rank of Imperial Countess of Hohenheim. This granted her a new social standing and made her a respected figure at the Württemberg court.
Particularly noteworthy was the influence Franziska exerted on the Duke. Contemporaries reported that Carl Eugene became calmer, more balanced, and more responsible through her presence. While he was often considered strict and domineering in his younger years, he later showed greater understanding for the concerns of his subjects. Historians see Franziska as an important figure in shaping this change. Although she held no official political power, her advice was highly valued by the Duke. She advocated for a more humane style of government and strove for compromise and reconciliation.
In 1785, Franziska and Carl Eugen married secretly in Stuttgart. The marriage was made public in early 1786, officially making Franziska Duchess of Württemberg. For many, this was an extraordinary rise: the daughter of a relatively modest noble family had become the wife of one of the most powerful German rulers. Despite her high rank, however, she remained true to her unassuming lifestyle. She largely eschewed excessive luxury and maintained a simple way of interacting with those around her.
Franziska was also active in social and religious spheres. She supported the needy, cared for the sick, and promoted church institutions. Her Protestant faith played a central role in her work. She was convinced that social responsibility and Christian charity were closely intertwined. Many people therefore valued her as a warm-hearted and helpful woman. In a time when court life was often characterized by representation and power, her modesty was unusual and exemplary.
Her name remains closely associated with Hohenheim Palace, now home to the University of Hohenheim. The palace and its grounds were further expanded under Carl Eugen and Franziska. Hohenheim developed into a significant center of courtly life and continues to evoke the Duchess's memory. Her name thus lives on not only in historical records but also in the landscape of Württemberg.
After Carl Eugen's death in 1793, Franziska largely withdrew from public life. She lived primarily on her estates and devoted herself to religious and charitable work. She is particularly known for providing shelter and accommodation to the Württemberg Pietist theologian Johann Michael Hahn. In doing so, she once again demonstrated her willingness to support people who faced difficulties because of their beliefs.
Franziska spent the last years of her life in relative peace. She remained true to her faith and maintained contact with friends and relatives. On January 1, 1811, she died in Kirchheim unter Teck at the age of 62. Her death was mourned by many, as she had earned great respect through her humanity and helpfulness.
Today, Franziska von Hohenheim is considered one of the most popular female figures in Württemberg history. Unlike many historical personalities, she did not become famous for military successes or political power. Her reputation rests instead on her character, her humility, and her positive influence on others. She demonstrated that significant change is possible even without formal power. Through her personality, she shaped not only the life of Duke Carl Eugen, but also the development of Württemberg during a crucial historical period.
Franziska von Hohenheim thus embodies an ideal image of humanity, responsibility, and Christian charity. Her life makes it clear that true greatness does not arise solely from rank and title, but above all from actions towards other people. For this reason, she will be remembered to this day as one of the most remarkable women of Southwest Germany.
(This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence.)
Urach Castle – An important residence in Württemberg history
Urach Castle, also known today as Urach Residence Castle, is one of the most important historical buildings in Baden-Württemberg. Located in the town of Bad Urach on the edge of the Swabian Alps, it is one of the few remaining late medieval residential castles in Germany. For centuries, the castle was the site of significant political, cultural, and social events. Its history reflects the development of Württemberg from the medieval counts to the duchy.
The origins of the castle date back to the late 14th century. At that time, Count Eberhard III of Württemberg had a new castle built in the immediate vicinity of an older moated castle. Construction was completed around 1400. The Old Castle in Stuttgart, which also served as a residence for the Württemberg rulers, served as its model. The new castle in Urach was an impressive building for its time and demonstrated the growing influence of the Counts of Württemberg.
The castle gained particular importance in the 15th century. After the County of Württemberg was divided between two ruling lines in 1442, Urach became the residence of the Württemberg-Urach line. Count Ludwig I made the town his seat of government. For several decades, the castle thus developed into a political center of the region. From here, important decisions were made and the fate of a large part of Württemberg was steered.
During this period, the castle experienced its first golden age. Numerous renovations and expansions ensured that it met the demands of a princely court. Urach Castle became particularly famous due to the magnificent wedding of Count Eberhard im Bart to Barbara Gonzaga of Mantua in 1474. The multi-day festivities were among the most splendid events of the late Middle Ages in Württemberg. Guests from many parts of Europe traveled to Urach to participate in the celebrations. The wedding also strengthened the political ties between Württemberg and the Italian princely houses.
In 1482, Württemberg was reunited. As a result, Urach lost its function as the seat of government, since the rulers moved their residence back to Stuttgart. Nevertheless, the castle remained of great importance. The Württemberg dukes used it as a hunting lodge and residence. The region was a popular hunting ground, primarily due to the extensive forests of the Swabian Alb. Many princes therefore regularly spent time in Urach.
Over the centuries, the castle has been remodeled several times. Various rulers adapted the rooms to the prevailing tastes of their time. As a result, the building today combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles. Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg, in particular, enjoyed spending time in Urach. During his reign in the 18th century, several rooms were modernized. Among these is the elegant White Hall, which, with its delicate stucco decorations, reflects the Rococo style.
Among the most impressive rooms in the castle is the Golden Hall. It is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance halls in southern Germany. Its richly decorated wood paneling, gilded ornaments, and intricate carvings lend the room an extraordinary ambiance. The hall once served representative purposes and was the setting for important receptions and celebrations. Even today, it conveys a sense of the splendor of the Württemberg court.
Another important room is the so-called Dürnitz. This is a large hall on the ground floor of the castle. Originally, it served as a living and dining room for servants and guests. In the 15th century, the hall was extensively remodeled and fitted with a Gothic rib vault. Today, the Dürnitz is one of the most impressive examples of medieval architecture in the castle.
The Palm Hall is also of particular historical significance. Its name derives from the depiction of palm motifs, which commemorate Count Eberhard im Bart's pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The hall illustrates the close connection between politics, religion, and power that characterized the Middle Ages.
After the castle lost its function as a princely residence, it was used for other purposes for a time. In the 19th century, it housed apartments and outbuildings, among other things. This significantly altered the castle's interior. It was only in the 20th century that the historical value of the complex was increasingly recognized. Extensive restoration and renovation work was undertaken to preserve the building and safeguard its important art treasures.
Major construction work was carried out, particularly in the 1960s. This resulted in the uncovering and restoration of numerous historical rooms. At the same time, modern facilities were installed to make the palace accessible to visitors. Today, the Residenz Palace presents itself as a significant cultural monument and a vibrant museum.
Another special feature is the famous collection of historic ceremonial sleighs. It is one of the largest and most important of its kind in the world. The elaborately carved and gilded sleighs offer a glimpse into the courtly festive culture of past centuries. They demonstrate the importance of representation and ceremony at the princely court.
Today, numerous tourists visit Urach Castle every year. Guided tours provide interesting information about the history of Württemberg, the building's architecture, and the lives of its former inhabitants. Together with the historic old town of Bad Urach, the castle forms an important cultural center of the region.
Urach Castle is far more than just an old building. It tells the story of an entire era and makes the development of Württemberg visible over several centuries. Its magnificent halls, its eventful past, and its art historical treasures make it a unique testament to German regional history. Therefore, Urach Castle is still considered one of the most important historical buildings in Baden-Württemberg and a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
(This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence.)