New Pamono Martin Van Meytens, Portraits of Maria Theresa of Habsburg & Francis I of Lorraine, 1740, Oil on Canvases, Framed, Set of 2

Portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Habsburg (Vienna 1717-1780), oil on canvas (her) – 42 x 36 cm – Framed 50 x 44 cm

Portrait of Emperor Francis I of Lorraine (1708-1765), oil on canvas (him) – 40 x 34 cm – Framed 48 x 40 cm

Our gallery is pleased to present this exquisite pair of portraits of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa of Habsburg (Vienna 1717-1780) and her husband, Francis Stephen of Lorraine (1708-1765).

The two canvases are distinguished by a masterly execution that demonstrates the work of a highly talented artist. In particular, the quality and refinement of their style clearly suggest they are by the court painter Martin van Meytens (Stockholm 1695 – Vienna 1770), one of the most significant portraitists of his time, and thus sought after by the most prestigious European courts as well as the imperial family.

A Swedish painter who became a naturalized Austrian, Van Meytens became famous for being the official portraitist of the Viennese court (from 1732) during the golden age of the 18th century, portraying the Austrian empress and her husband on numerous occasions.

His works are characterized by a precise and detailed representation of 18th-century court fashion, featuring exquisite lace and embroidery, and this painting is an excellent example.

Maria Theresa, an enlightened ruler, ascended the throne by the will of her father Charles VI of Habsburg and against the wishes of the European rulers. She modernized the empire and made it competitive through a series of reforms in the name of enlightened absolutism.

In our canvas, Her Royal Highness is dressed in a formal gown trimmed with lace and brocade. Her shoulders are wrapped in a red velvet cloak with an ermine trim, and she wears a wealth of precious jewelry, including earrings and a hair clip with teardrop-shaped diamonds, and a precious three-strand pearl bracelet with a portrait and a cameo with her husband’s portrait, a detail of exceptional refinement.

Franz Stephen of Lorraine married Maria Theresa in 1736, thus founding the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, which ruled Austria and the Habsburg hereditary states until the First World War. Their union produced sixteen children, including the future Emperors Joseph II and Leopold II, and Queens Maria Carolina of Naples and Marie Antoinette of France.

The ruler, portrayed half-length, is immortalized wearing sumptuous ceremonial armor, topped by a cloak lined with purple velvet and ermine, fastened at the chest with a precious diamond brooch, which falls over his right arm, with which he holds the baton of command. Behind him is the crown, his royal attribute.

The works are presented in excellent condition, with gilded wooden frames.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The paintings are sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.