Collection Erna Weidinger
In 1967, Erna Weidinger (née Wertanek) inherited her father’s company for building materials, Hollitzer, which had existed since the 19th century and involved several quarries. She knew how to successfully assert herself with charming strength in an economic sector that is still dominated by men. Already widowed at the age of 32, she also showed her fortitude in her private life. She raised her son all by herself and passed on her love for the arts – from painting and sculpture to opera, theatre and making music.
The Collection of Paintings
One focus in the collection of paintings, which had grown over decades, is Italian painting, with which Erna Weidinger associated her memories of numerous trips to Italy, from Milan to Naples. The Venetian masters deserve special attention, including Bellotto, Canaletto, Guardi and Fontebasso. In addition to works of Neapolitan painting, such as Paolo de Matteis, and the Austrian Baroque, the collector also had a marked preference for the Dutch masters - Salomon van Rysdael's oval shore landscape for example took up one of the most prominent spaces in the apartment and was among her favorite works of art. The fact that this is a collection focused on exceptional pieces is underlined by works such as the room-filling tapestry depicting King Charles II and the demonic allegory on English history created by Jan Brueghel the Younger.
The Furniture
The furnishing of the apartment impresses with an equally exquisite taste – demonstrated pompously by the monumental Maria Theresa chandeliers and outstanding pieces of furniture. The collector also transferred her love for classical music to the furnishings, which is recognizable by the sophisticated music table. Particularly noteworthy is the silver collection, which includes more than 200 items: in addition to religious objects – revealing the collector’s connoisseurship - special attention was paid to magnificent (Viennese) table silver of noble previous owners, including a dinner service from Klinkosch and 72 plates from the former property of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis. The fact that "collecting" and the tasteful "everyday" life complemented and interpenetrated each other is evidenced by the numerous candleholders located in each room. In addition to their function as atmospheric light sources, they trace the development of candleholders over several centuries by their different shapes.
The Collection of Jewels
The collection and furnishings testify to Erna Weidinger's precise observation of beauty and her elegance, which was also embodied in her entire personality and appearance. Furthermore, 122 items of her hand-picked, timeless jewelry will be auctioned, which, according to a good friend, she selected everyday fitting to the occasion, "like an architect.” The ensembles, which can be combined in many ways, are dominated by South Sea pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Auction Dates
Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Old Master Paintings, 3pm
Jewels, 4pm
Wednesday, 9 November 2022
Silver, 3pm
Furniture and Antiques, 5pm
