Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 20, 2007, at 7:06:58
In reply to Re: Fashions in self destruction? May trigger » Declan, posted by Cecilia on August 20, 2007, at 6:44:24
Before Diana there was Elisabeth (Sissy) of Bavaria, married to Austrian Emp. Franz Josef. She still arouses the curiousity and devotion of many, who revere her as a great beauty and tragic figure (murdered at the fin de siecle).
Portraits reveal her to have supermodel-like proportions.
A tour of the Imperial Palace Schönbrunn in Vienna will reveal a rather fascinating aspect of her personality. Whereas all of the other bathrooms and dressing rooms are very utilitarian, hers has a uniquely medical feel about it. Several large devices for measuring weight and large soaking tubs (in addition to one of the fanciest vanity sets) reflect Sissy's obsession to maintaining her reed-like figure. Our tourguide says that she was in the habit of not eating her dinner and riding horses obsessively to keep her waist the smallest in the court.
Did it pay off? Many Austrians and Germans have heard about Sissy but know very little about Maria Theresa (1717-1780), archduchess of Austria, Holy Roman Empress, and queen of Hungary and Bohemia. She was the only woman ruler in the 650 history of the Habsburg dynasty. She was also one of the most successful Habsburg rulers, male or female, bearing sixteen children between 1738 and 1756. Her figure was not so reed-like...
Style over substance? Certainly in Sissy's case. I suppose the jury's still out on Diana's contribution to humanity.
-Ll
poster:LlurpsieNoodle
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/eating/20070820/msgs/777271.html