Unknown Painter, Portrait of Pierre-Leopold, Grand-Duke of Tuscany (1765-1790), future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as Leopold II, circa 1770.
The Painting
Antique oil painting on canvas, 18th century, depicting a portrait of Pierre Leopold de Habsbourg Lorraine (1747–1792). The Grand Duke was portrayed in Rome in 1769 by Pompeo Batoni, together with his brother Emperor Giuseppe II, and in 1770 by Anton Raphael Mengs, a German painter, active in the main European capitals and recognised as one of the greatest exponents of Neoclassicism.The painting should also be dated back to the same period, as it shows close physionomic affinities with the above mentioned effigies.
Framed with a beautiful golden frame, of recent period.
Christie's label on back of the frame.
In good overall condition considering the age of the painting, some scattered old restorations, but nothing truly relevant. No conservative problems and the original canvas is supported by a re-lining .
Canvas size: 87x72 cm Frame size: 107x91.5 cm
The History
Leopold II (Peter Leopold Joseph Anton Joachim Pius Gotthard; 5 May 1747 – 1 March 1792) was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary and Bohemia, and Archduke of Austria from 1790 to 1792, and Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1765 to 1790. He was the earliest opponent of capital punishment in modern history[citation needed]. He was a son of Empress Maria Theresa and her husband, Emperor Francis I, and the brother of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, Maria Carolina of Austria and Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor. Leopold was a moderate proponent of enlightened absolutism. He granted the Academy of Georgofili his protection. Despite his brief reign, he is highly regarded. The historian Paul W. Schroeder called him "one of the most shrewd and sensible monarchs ever to wear a crown". (in wikipedia)