Antique
jewelry and other fine antique items from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian
eras
E-mail Darlene
An important pair of royal Georgian portrait miniatures,
Francis I and his wife Maria Theresa of Austria
Reference #: 9386
Status: for sale
Dimensions: 8 cm by 12 cm
Condition: excellent; miniatures are perfect, no cracks or damage. Signature not visible, miniatures have not been removed from frames.
Year: 1770-1790
Price: $4795 or Euro 3000
Description: I am pleased to be able to offer you these very rare portrait miniatures on ivory. The superbly executed Royal portraits are in their original, ornate gold gilt bronze frames. Note the Royal House of Hapsburg crown at the top of each frame.
Maria Theresa Walburga Amaliae Christina was born in Vienna on 13 May, 1717. She was a reigning Archduchess of Austria, a Queen of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia, and a Holy Roman Empress. In October, 1740, she assumed the throne. A key figure in the power politics of 18th century Europe, Maria Theresa brought unity to the Habsburg Monarchy and was considered one of its most capable rulers. She died in 1780.
Personal life:
In 1736, she married to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, Duke of Lorraine in 1736.
Unlike many monarchs of her time, she married for love. When her husband died suddenly in 1765, she was so grief strickened that she remained in full mourning for the remaining 15 years of her life.
Together, she and her husband had 16 children. Their eleven daughters all had the first name "Maria". Their youngest daughter was Maria Antonia, better known under her French name, Marie Antoinette, who would be promised in marriage to the future King Louis XVI of France.
Frances I was born in 1708 in Nancy, Lorraine (now France).
Erzherzogin Maria Theresia von Österreich und Herzog Franz I. Stephan von Lothringen.