Franz Stephan von Lothringen  -  Francis Stephen of Lorraine

Francis Stephen of Lorraine
 

Franz Stephan von Lothringen
Francis Stephen of Lorraine

In 1736 Maria Theresia married Franz Stephan von Lothringen. The French objected to the union of Lorraine (Lothringen) with the Habsburg lands, forcing Franz Stephan to exchange his Duchy for the right of succession to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

 

Schönbrunn Palace
The Vieux-Laque Room

In 1736, Maria Theresia married Franz Stephan von Lothringen (Francis Stephen of Lorraine). The French objected to the union of Lorraine with the Habsburg lands forcing Franz Stephan to exchange his Duchy for the right of succession to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Franz Stephan was a financial wizard and a supporter of the arts. He was for instance the founder of the Botanical Gardens and also Schönbrunn's Menagerie, which is the oldest existing zoo in the world dating back to 1752.

After the death of her husband, Maria Theresia changed Franz Stefan's study into a memorial room for her beloved husband, which is now known as the Vieux-Laque Room.
 

After the death of her beloved husband
Maria Theresia only wore black