18th century, Portrait of Karl Josef of Habsburg-Lorraine

18th century Portrait of Karl Josef of Habsburg-Lorraine oil on canvas, 29x23 cm With frame, 47x37 cm The person portrayed can be identified as Karl Josef of Habsburg-Lorraine, son of Maria Theresa of Austria and Francis I of Lorraine. Maria Theresa had as many as 11 children, 6 girls and 5 boys: he was the seventh, but the second son of the males. He was, therefore, in rivalry with the eldest son, Joseph, destined to be emperor. Unlike Joseph, however, he was an outgoing and highly intelligent young man who made his parents prefer him to his brother. He was then appointed Archduke of Austria and destined to become Grand Duke of Tuscany and, perhaps, even emperor. But, at the age of 16, in 1761, he died of smallpox and all hopes vanished. In this painting, the nobleman is presented at a young age: a three-quarter portrait, although little more than a child, the Habsburg has a regal and serious demeanor. The light and bright colors of the complexion and clothing contrast strongly with the neutral background with cold tones.