Martin van Meytens (Stoccolma 1695 - Vienna 1770)

Martin van Meytens (Stockholm 1695 - Vienna 1770) Portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Habsburg (Vienna 1717 - 1780), oil on canvas (hers) - 42 x 36 - Framed 50 x 44 Portrait of Emperor Francis I of Lorraine (1708 - 1765), oil on canvas (his) - 40 x 34 - Framed 48 x 40 Complete details of the artworks (click HERE) Our gallery is pleased to present this fine pair of portraits depicting the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa of Habsburg (Vienna 1717 - 1780) and her consort Francis Stephen of Lorraine (1708 - 1765). The two canvases are distinguished by an executive expertise that denotes the work by an author of great talent: in particular, for quality and refinement of style, are easily attributable to the court painter Martin van Meytens (Stockholm 1695 - Vienna 1770), one of the most significant portrait painters of his time, therefore requested by the most noble European courts as well as the imperial family. Swedish painter naturalized Austrian, Van Meytens became famous for being the official portrait painter of the Viennese court (from 1732) during the golden age of the eighteenth century, portraying the Austrian empress and her consort on numerous occasions. His works are characterized by an accurate and detailed representation of the court fashion of the 18th century, which shows exquisite lace and embroidery and the present painting is an excellent testimony. Maria Theresa, enlightened sovereign, ascended the throne by the will of her father Charles VI of Habsburg and against the opinion of European rulers, made the empire modern and competitive thanks to a series of reforms in the name of enlightened absolutism. In our canvas the Royal Highness is dressed in a representation dress, profiled by lace and brocade, the shoulders are wrapped in a red velvet cloak with an ermine lapel and many precious jewels, including earrings and a clasp in the hair with drop diamonds and a precious three-strand pearl bracelet with the portrait with a cameo with the portrait of her consort, detail of exceptional refinement. Francis Stephen of Lorraine married Maria Theresa in 1736, thus founding the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, which ruled the reins of Austria and the hereditary Habsburg states until the First World War. From their union sixteen children were born, including the future emperors Joseph II and Leopold II and the queens Maria Carolina of Naples and Maria Antoinette of France. The ruler, portrayed in half bust, is instead immortalized with a sumptuous ceremonial armor, surmounted by a cloak lined with purple velvet and ermine, closed on the chest by a precious brooch in diamonds, which descends covering the right arm, with which holds the scepter. Behind him the crown, his regal attribute. The works are presented with an excellent state of preservation, with gilded wood frames. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The paintings are sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/