Station: [21] The Princess's Boudoir

You are in the Princess’s Boudoir.

A boudoir is an elegant, private room. Originally, it was reserved for women. Here, one would retreat for morning ablutions, an afternoon nap, or private conversations. This type of room became popular during the Rococo period. Even in the 19th century, such rooms were still furnished in this manner.

The main room is separated by a drapery made of yellow-and-purple silk. It is furnished with a chaise longue and a semicircular sofa bench. It is precisely this unusual color scheme that makes the room so special. Princess Josephine’s boudoir is therefore considered one of architect Stüler’s most significant and exquisite interior designs at Hohenzollern Castle.

The story of its occupant is also part of this room’s history. The bust by August Wittig, dating from 1857, depicts Josephine at the age of 44.

Josephine was born in Mannheim in 1813. She was a princess of Baden. Her mother, Stéphanie Louise de Beauharnais, was Napoleon’s adopted daughter. This was a decisive factor in Josephine’s arranged marriage to Crown Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Karl Anton, too, was of French descent on his mother’s side.

Contemporary descriptions portray Josephine as a very beautiful and attractive woman. Her marriage is described as a happy one. At the same time, she was regarded as a devoted mother. She viewed the upbringing of her children as her life’s work.

To strangers, Josephine often initially appeared shy and reserved. The reason was an ear condition she had suffered from since childhood. It eventually led to complete deafness. For this reason, she often communicated using little notes. These notes are still preserved today in the State Archives in Sigmaringen. Perhaps this quiet form of communication seems unusual to us today. At the same time, it makes Josephine seem very real.

She was also active in her free time. She made tinctures to treat pimples and rashes.

Josephine was very religious. She was Protestant, while the rest of the Hohenzollern lands were Catholic. Even after her marriage to the Catholic Prince Karl Anton, she initially remained true to her faith. Later, however, she converted to Catholicism.