Carousel sleigh of Empress Maria Theresia

From the 17th century sleigh-rides, so-called “sleighing days,” were among the most popular winter entertainments of the Vienna court. The imperial family and select members of the nobility rode out in a long procession from the Hofburg to the most important places in the city. The gentleman who drove the ornately carved, gold-plated carousel sleighs sat on a platform attached to the rear of the body, while the lady sat in the sleigh itself. The makeup of the couples and the order of the sleighs was determined by drawing lots. © Monica Kurzel-Runtscheiner, Crane Neck and Gold Crepine. Courtly Splendour and Contemporary art – a confrontation,
Exhibition Catalogue, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna 2004