The Ritual Master Hello friends, and welcome to our Winter Solstice episode ! If you’ve been following me for some time, you already know by now that I am fond of this symbolic evening. The longest night of the year is my moment of comfort, as if the Universe was giving me permission to just be, and not focus on efficiency or productivity.
I wondered what would be the appropriate Austrian subject for the Winter Solstice, and found the idea while reading, of course. For me, the solstice and winter in general, is the moment to retreat in my cosy kingdom. Time spent at home is one of my greatest luxuries, and I was intrigued to find out that in Austria, the lockdown during the Covid pandemic was compared to a second Biedermeier age, since that was the « at home » era by excellence. I researched, found the perfect book, ordered it from my previously-loved-books website, and in I dived.
The Biedermeier was an era in Central Europe between 1815 and 1848, who saw the middle classes grow in number, and become more and more interested in the arts. These 33 years were a time of political stability in the Austrian Empire, due to the conservative rule of chancellor Klemens von Metternich. While political subjects were heavily censored, society was encouraged on the domestic aspects, and so, artists turned their interest to everything that was non-conflicting : dancing, music, country life, interior decorating are just a few of the escapes from the bans and restrictions imposed. A lovely anecdote read in the book mentions that since going out was always a sensitive matter, people used to invite friends and family in their homes, where they could speak more freely. Dancing was a favourite past time, but since one should not be seen enjoying oneself too much, the ladies used to wear little purses attached to their wrist carrying their needlework or lace pattern, so that in between waltzes, they would carry on with their virtuous activities.
And so, with that in mind, I went to visit the concentrate of all Biedermeier in Vienna, the MAK, museum for applied arts. Founded by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1863, with the example of the Victoria and Albert Museum in mind, opened just 10 years previous in London, this is one of the most beautiful museums of decorative art in Europe. With collections ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary design, there is something for everyone to see. As soon as I entered, I took the fastest route to the Biedermeier galleries, but the Universe had something else in mind. With the lace anecdote still fresh in my mind, I entered the glassware gallery to find an extensive collection of Austrian lace covering the entire gallery walls. A mesmerising voyage through patterns and artistry. The Biedermeier gallery is located in one of the most beautiful salons of the museum. With designs oriented towards craftsmanship and comfort, the Biedermeier furniture gathers inspiration from the French Empire style, in a more simplified form. This is the first style in the world that emanated from the middle class. In my view, a significant example of how the aristocrats uplifted all the classes, by making them aspire to beauty in their own environment, instead of negating all that was associated with the higher class. The chair timeline is absolutely fascinating, and the porcelain… Well, you can imagine how I felt.
So for this Solstice evening, I invite you to fully enjoy your cosy interior, with your best cup of tea, entertaining or simply enjoying your own company, take the time to savour the peace of the longest night.
Until tomorrow, happy reading !
