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Martin van Meytens (Attributed)

Portrait of Emperor Francis I, Martin van Meytens the Younger

Origin

Austria

Period

18th Century

Materials

Oil on canvas, carved wood

Dimensions

W.	35.69 in;	H.	44.25 in;	D.	2.75 in;
W.	90.65 cm;	H.	112.4 cm;	D.	6.99 cm;

Condition

Excellent. Wear commensurate with age.

Creation Date

circa 1750

Description

Superb circa 1750 oil on canvas portrait by the workshop of Martin van Meytens the Younger of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, Duke of Lorraine, founder of the Habsburg-Lorraine Dynasty, and father of Marie Antoinette in original parcel-gilt and ebonized carved wood frame. Canvas measures 38" high by 29.5" wide.

Biography: Martin van Meytens (June 24, 1695 – March 23, 1770) was a Swedish painter of Dutch descent who was the offical court painter to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor. He began his artistic studies with his father, the painter Martin van Meytens the Elder, who had moved from The Hague to Sweden. Early in his career he painted enamel miniature portraits, and changed to oil painting circa 1730 after settling in Vienna where he soon became popular as a portrait painter in court circles and with the aristocracy. In 1732 he was appointed court painter to Francis I, and in 1759 the director of the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts. Meytens was one of the most significant Austrian painters of representative Baroque courtly portrait, and through his pupils and followers he remained influential throughout central Europe.

Styles / Movements

Old Master

Incollect Reference Number

280712