XVIII Century, Portrait Of Karl Josef Of Habsburg - Lorraine

XVIII century

Portrait of Karl Josef of Habsburg - Lorraine

oil on canvas, cm 29x23

With frame, cm 47x37

The portrait can be identified with Karl Josef of Habsburg-Lorraine, son of Maria Theresa of Austria and Francis I of Lorraine. Maria Teresa had 11 children, 6 girls and 5 boys: he was the seventh but the second son of the boys. He was, therefore, in rivalry with the firstborn, Joseph, destined to be emperor. Unlike Joseph, however, he was an extrovert youth and a great intelligence that made him preferred by his parents 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 hope was lost.

In this painting the nobleman is presented at a young age: three-quarters portrait, although little more than a child, the Habsburgs have a royal and serious attitude. The light and bright colors of the complexion and dresses contrast strongly with the neutral background in cold tones.