Description
This family tree, as with others similar of this period, was likely created to document and display the family’s esteemed lineage. More specifically, it might have been intended to showcase ancestral achievements, assert dynastic legitimacy, solidify the status of the family within the vast Habsburg Empire, and/or create a tangible, beautiful heirloom to underscore the family’s historical importance and unique identity for future generations.
The foundational family coat of arms of Johann Georg Ehrenreich Hoheneck at the foot of the tree is a stunning work of art in and of itself centered on a standing knight in full blue armor with gold highlights. He is surrounded by stylized rococo foliate flourishes on either side. He holds a halberd in his right hand. With his left hand, he holds a checkered cartouche shield that leans on natural grass covered ground that is decorated with a gold bull head against a black and white checkered background. Above his closed armor helmet is the same bull’s head, here on each side decorated with checkered and gilt tipped wings. A shield with two large vertically positioned blue keys rests on the ground. Beneath the knight is a rectangular legend with his name and titles in gothic cursive script identifying him as “Johann George [?] Graf von Hoheneck zu Schlüsselberg ….” It has additional identification which we have been unable to decipher as of the writing of this description. Schlüsselberg possibly refers to a municipality in Grieskirchen District, Upper Austria.
The identification of George Ehrenreich Hoheneck by the text under his name on the family tree is consistent with another substantially similar heraldic knight image in the online Osterreichisches Staatsarchiv. The archive identifies that example as follows: “Hoheneck, Johann Georg Ehrenreich Freiherr von, Grafenstand, „Graf von Hoheneck zu Schlüsselberg”, „Hoch- und Wohlgeboren” Translated by computer this is “Hoheneck, Johann Georg Ehrenreich Freiherr von, Count, ‘Count of Hoheneck zu Schlüsselberg’, ‘High and Well-Born’.” The word Grafenstand refers to the rank, status, or title of a graf (count or earl). The word Freiherr is a German title of nobility below a graf. The archive dates this similar coat of arms to the year 1775. The family tree representation is not dated. Nonetheless, given 1775 as the starting date of the tree and adding for three successive generations perhaps 20 to 25 years apart, we date this work as mid 19th Century.
Proviso: We are not experts in heraldry, no less in deciphering gothic cursive script in German. Hence we welcome any comments, suggestions, or corrections for aspects of this work of which we are not aware.
Condition: Generally very good, the colors rich and bright. Some minor flaking loses to color. Some chipping and losses to red wax seals. Vellum a trifle puckered and cockled from shrinkage, as typical.
References:
Hoheneck, Johann Georg Ehrenreich, Osterreichisches Staatsarchiv,
https://www.archivinformationssystem.at/detail.aspx?ID=4400752 (25 Dec. 2025)
