Portrait of a Woman

Ornamented with pearls, diamonds, and ermine fur, the rich dress of this woman, as well as the crown on the table next to her, clearly show her royal status. Although traditionally identified as Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, this portrait probably represents a member of her family or possibly the royal court. She may be Princess Maria Josepha of Bavaria (1739-1767), noble woman who was Empress Maria Theresa’s daughter-in-law.

Although often attributed to the Swedish artist Marten van Meytens (1695-1770) the fluid brushwork and robust color of this painting are not typical of his style. The portrait may be the work of Georg Desmarées, a Swedish artist who studied with van Meytens, and later worked extensively with the royal court of Bavaria.