Oranienbaum Wörlitz, a royal estate near Dessau in Saxony-Anhalt, was built for Princess Henriette Catharina von Nassau-Oranien and her husband, Johann Georg II von Anhalt-Dessau, beginning in 1681. The princess, who hailed from the Netherlands, introduced Dutch artisans and practices to the area and was heavily involved in designing the castle. (...)
Oranienbaum Wörlitz, a royal estate near Dessau in Saxony-Anhalt, was built for Princess Henriette Catharina von Nassau-Oranien and her husband, Johann Georg II von Anhalt-Dessau, beginning in 1681. The princess, who hailed from the Netherlands, introduced Dutch artisans and practices to the area and was heavily involved in designing the castle. One room that demonstrates her influence especially clearly is the tearoom, where leather wall hangings adorn the spaces between the rectangular windows. Made in Holland in 1700, the leather panels are gilded and painted with hunting scenes that feature birds, trees, fountains, and other architectural elements.The room also boasts a stucco ceiling, a grand mantelpiece, and an alcove with a Chinese teapot collection. Though Oranienbaum Wörlitz has not been altered since the 17th century, the castle was occupied by a series of German organizations that neglected to maintain it and, as a result, its interiors deteriorated.
