Landau

## Overview

A landau is a four-wheeled, horse-drawn carriage named after the German city of Landau in der Pfalz, where it was first manufactured. Its distinguishing feature is two folding hoods that meet in the middle when raised, allowing the carriage to be fully enclosed in bad weather or opened on fine days. The landau was one of the most prestigious carriages of the 19th century.

## Description

Key features: - Four wheels with the body suspended on springs - Two folding hoods (one at each end) that meet at the center - Facing seats for four passengers - Coachman on an elevated box seat - Typically drawn by a pair or team of horses - Rear platform for footmen in livery

## Social Significance

The landau was associated with wealth, formality, and social prestige. Its versatility — convertible from open to closed — made it suitable for both display promenades and private travel. A landau with matched horses and full livery was among the most visible symbols of upper-class status. Marie notes the color of the wheels ("landau à roues jaunes" — landau with yellow wheels), the livery, and the overall impression as markers of social standing.

## Marie's Usage

- 1873-01-19 (carnet 001): Seeing the Duke of Hamilton from a half-closed landau in the rain - 1875-08-05 (carnet 038): Going to the Bois de Boulogne in the family landau - 1875-08-13 (carnet 038): Picked up in a landau at Eltville - 1881-12-14 (carnet 094): Berthe in a "landau à roues jaunes" with fine livery — yellow wheels signaling particular elegance

## Related Terms

- *Calèche — similar open carriage but with single folding hood - Voiture — general term for carriage - Victoria — lighter, two-person carriage - Coupé* — enclosed two-person carriage