Maria Josepha
*19.03.1751 Vienna - †15.10.1767 Vienna
Archduchess of Austria
Maria Josepha was a daughter of Maria Theresia. The death of her sister Johanna Gabriele in 1762 was particularly painful for the eleven-year-old Maria Josepha. She had shared living quarters and lessons with her sister; they had the same teachers and chambermaids, and their governess, Countess Lerchenfeld, was responsible for both girls.
At the age of twelve, Maria Josepha had already been chosen as the future wife of Ferdinand IV, King of Naples. An extensive program of lessons, instructors, and language exercises was intended to prepare her for this task.
On December 23, 1766, Carlos III. signed the marriage contract in Madrid, which arrived in Vienna on January 13, 1767. The day before, Ferdinand IV. had come of age at 16. The wedding by proxy was scheduled for October 14 in Vienna, and Leopold Mozart had already traveled there with his daughter Anna and eleven-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus to present his choral music.
On October 5, a smallpox epidemic broke out, and Maria Josepha died on October 15.
The sarcophagus
On March 17, 1768, the wooden coffin was placed in a bronze coffin crafted by B. F. Moll. Supported by four scrolls and two eagle feet, it stands on a marble pedestal. The Order of the Starry Cross lies on the lid next to the crowns.
The portrait medallion on the left side bears no inscription. Lion's head handles are attached to the right and left of it. On the right side, the Austrian coat of arms is displayed in an ornate cartouche.
On this sarcophagus, the flower wreaths predominate over the pure rocaille.
The inscription on the coffin reads:
P. M. S. IOSEPHAE. ARCHID. AUSTR. FRANC. ET. MAR. THER. AUGG. PARENTIBUS. NATAE. XIX. MARTIJ. AN. SAL. MDCCLI. COMITATE. MORUM. RELIGIONUM. CULTU. VITAE. INTEGRITATE. DEO. HOMINIBUSQUE. PER.OMN. VITAM. CHARISSIMAE. DESPONSAE. FERDINANDO. IV. UTRIUSQUE. SICILIAE. REGI. VIII. SEPT. AN. SAL. MDCCLXVII. SED. XV. OCT. EIUSDEM. AN. AD. IMMORTAL. REGIS. NUPT. TRANLATAE.
Dedicated to the eternal memory of Archduchess Josepha of Austria, born to the imperial parents Francis and Maria Theresa on March 19 in the year of salvation 1751. Renowned for her noble character, religious devotion, and purity of conduct, she was beloved by God and man throughout her life. Betrothed to Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies, on September 8, 1867, she was called to the wedding feast of the heavenly King on October 15 of the same year.