The Cabinet of curiosities
Rudolf II's Kunstkammer, one of the largest cabinets of curiosities in Europe, was dispersed after the sack of Prague by the Swedes in 1648. The unicorn horn displayed here, now kept in Vienna, is actually a narwhal tusk. Rudolf II probably knew this, but preferred to maintain the mystery.
Publiée le 11 mars 2026
Arcimboldo was commissioned to paint the Emperor's portrait. How could he paint a man who no longer wished to be seen? This is the story of that sitting, as it might have unfolded in the dusty silence of the study.
The portrait of Vertumnus is now housed at Skokloster Castle in Sweden.
Publiée le 19 mars 2026
From 1600 onwards, Rudolf II gradually withdrew from political life. He secluded himself in his Prague castle, surrounded by astrologers, alchemists, and his collections, neglecting the affairs of the Empire. Under pressure, Rudolf was forced to cede Austria, Hungary, and Moravia to Matthias. He retained only Bohemia and the title of Emperor. The treaty was signed on June 25, 1608.
The "polite violence" aspect is historically accurate: Rudolf's deposition was achieved through treaties, without open warfare between the two brothers.
Publiée le 25 mars 2026
Rudolf II spent his life surrounding himself with marvelous objects to fill a void that no treasure could. And what he loved—the poetry of a portrait, the transparency of a cup, the perfection of a scarab—travels through the centuries to touch us.
Publiée le 31 mars 2026