Martin van Meytens (Stockholm 1695 - Vienna 1770) Portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (Vienna 1717 - 1780), oil on canvas (her) - 42 x 36 - Framed 50 x 44 Portrait of Emperor Francis I of Lorraine (1708 - 1765), oil on canvas (him) - 40 x 34 - Framed 48 x 40 Complete details of the artworks (click HERE) Our gallery is pleased to present this valuable pair of portraits depicting the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (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 attributed to the court painter Martin van Meytens (Stockholm 1695 - Vienna 1770), portraitist among the most significant of his time, therefore required by the most emblazoned European courts as well as the imperial family. Swedish painter naturalized Austrian, Van Meytens became famous for being the official portraitist of the Viennese court (from 1732) during the golden period of the eighteenth century, portraying the Austrian Empress and her consort on numerous occasions. His works are characterized by a precise and detailed representation of the court fashion of the 18th century, showing 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 the 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 brilliant drops and a precious three-wire pearl bracelet with a cameo 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 held the reins of Austria and the Habsburg hereditary states until the First World War. From their union were born sixteen children, including the future emperors Joseph II and Leopold II and the queens Maria Carolina of Naples and Maria Antoinette of France. The ruler, portrayed half-length, 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 diamond brooch, which descends covering the right arm, with which he holds the baton of command. Behind him the crown, his royal attribute. The works are presented with an excellent state of preservation, with gilded wooden frames. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The paintings are sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care 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/