# Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria

> Austrian archduchess, daughter of the Emperor of the Holy Empire Charles VI (1718-1744)

**Wikidata**: [Q236927](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q236927)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archduchess_Maria_Anna_of_Austria_(governor))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/archduchess-maria-anna-of-austria-q236927

## Summary
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria was an Austrian aristocrat and member of the House of Habsburg, born as the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. She is historically recognized for her role as Governor of the Austrian Netherlands and her membership in the noble Order of the Starry Cross. Her life spanned from 1718 to 1744, during which she held significant hereditary titles within the Holy Roman Empire.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 14, 1718 (some sources cite September 18, 1718)
- **Nationality**: Austrian
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Serving as Governor of the Austrian Netherlands and holding the title of Archduchess
- **Employer(s)**: Not applicable (Aristocratic role)
- **Field(s)**: Nobility, Governance (Austrian Netherlands)

## Contributions
Based on the provided source material, specific tangible contributions such as published papers, founded companies, or patented inventions are not recorded. Her primary documented role was her governance and hereditary status:
- **Governance**: Served as Governor of the Austrian Netherlands, a key administrative role within the Habsburg domains.
- **Noble Membership**: Became a member of the Order of the Starry Cross, a prestigious noble order established in 1668.
- **Dynastic Role**: As the daughter of Emperor Charles VI, she was a central figure in the Habsburg lineage, represented by the identifier Habsburg-152.

## FAQs
**Who were the parents of Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria?**
She was the daughter of Emperor Charles VI, who held the title of Holy Roman Emperor. Her mother is not explicitly named in the provided text, but her father's imperial status defined her rank.

**What noble order was Archduchess Maria Anna a member of?**
She was a member of the Order of the Starry Cross, a noble order founded in 1668. This affiliation is a key part of her recognition within the aristocracy.

**What was her full name and title?**
Her full name was Archduchess Maria Anna Eleonore Wilhelmine Josepha of Austria. She is most commonly referred to in historical records as Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria.

**When did she live?**
She was born in September 1718 and died on December 16, 1744. Her life was relatively short, spanning approximately 26 years.

## Why They Matter
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria matters as a representative of the Habsburg dynasty during a critical period of European history. Her role as Governor of the Austrian Netherlands highlights the administrative structure of the empire, where royal family members often governed key territories. As a daughter of Emperor Charles VI, her existence and titles were integral to the succession politics and diplomatic marriages of the 18th century. Without figures like her, the continuity of the Habsburg line and the governance of its diverse territories would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- **Hereditary Title**: Holding the title of Archduchess of Austria.
- **Governance**: Serving as the Governor of the Austrian Netherlands.
- **Noble Order**: Being a member of the Order of the Starry Cross.
- **Royal Lineage**: Being the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI.
- **Historical Identification**: Recognized by multiple unique identifiers including Wikidata ID Q5 and various library catalog numbers (e.g., GND: 137351771).

## Body

### Early Life and Lineage
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria was born into the House of Habsburg, one of the most influential royal families in European history. Her birth date is recorded as September 14, 1718, though some sources list September 18, 1718. She was the daughter of Emperor Charles VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, which granted her the status of an Archduchess from birth. Her full name was Archduchess Maria Anna Eleonore Wilhelmine Josepha of Austria. As a member of the genus *Homo sapiens* and the specific species of the aristocracy, she was part of the unique extant lineage of the Habsburgs.

### Governance and Administrative Role
A significant portion of her historical record is tied to her administrative duties. She served as the Governor of the Austrian Netherlands. This role placed her at the head of the Habsburg administration in the Low Countries, a strategically important region. Her tenure as governor is the primary reason she is distinguished in historical databases, often appearing under the title "Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria (governor)." This position required her to represent the imperial will in the region, managing local affairs on behalf of the crown.

### Noble Affiliations and Recognition
Maria Anna was a distinguished member of the Order of the Starry Cross. This order was founded on September 18, 1668, and is a noble order of chivalry. Her membership in this order is a key aspect of her recognition and is documented with a sitelink count of 16 in related databases. The order is associated with countries including Austria and the Holy Roman Empire. Her inclusion in this order underscores her high standing within the aristocratic hierarchy.

### Historical Identifiers and Legacy
Archduchess Maria Anna is cataloged extensively in academic and library databases. She is associated with the identifier Habsburg-152, linking her directly to the dynastic history of the family. Her life is documented in various library systems, including the GND (137351771), VIAF (81554415), and BnF (16297356b). She is also linked to the Wikimedia Commons category "Maria Anna of Austria, Governor of the Austrian Netherlands." Her death occurred on December 16, 1744. Despite her short life, her legacy is preserved through these numerous digital and physical records, ensuring her place in the history of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Netherlands.

## References

1. [Source](http://genealogy.euweb.cz/lorraine/lorraine5.html)
2. WikiTree
3. WeRelate
4. Habsburg, Maria Anna (Herzogin von Lothringen) (BLKÖ)
5. Sejm-Wielki.pl
6. Rodovid
7. Integrated Authority File
8. The Peerage
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013