Fascinating portrait of Maria Luisa Borbone of Spain Grand Duchess of Tuscany, oil on canvas, attributed to Anton Raphael Mengs atelier around 1765.
From the Adolfo Sardiña Collection - in Edward Berwind's historic villa on Fifth Avenue - New York
Measurements: Height 115 cm x Width 97 cm
Atelier d’Anton Raphaël Mengs 1728 - 1779
The work opens with the portrait in the foreground in three quarters of Maria-Luisa, portrayed facing the viewer, graceful on a gilded and red velvet armchair, in a royal position and with a fan between the mani, this particular instrument of seduction and code language, traces over the centuries the most sensual, precious and refined paintings of artists of all time.
In the background, as if to frame the lady, a large dark green curtain, draped and woven with golden thread, uncovers and lets you glimpse the architectural glimpse of a column, a symbol of virtue and power; while a crown adorned with precious gems and diamonds sits next to the lady, next to the throne of the Empress.
The Grand Duchess dressed in only light and magic, of beauty and rarity, of that rare solemn balance, emerges from skilled brushstrokes that highlight a dress, a sartorial masterpiece of refined embroidered white silk, scalloped, embellished with rich bows of a green silk musk, which give way to diamond buttons.
The bodice accentuates all the beauty of a semi-open, squared décolleté, illuminated by a pearl choker and a small cross pendant necklace, a symbol of faith, left in full length.
The sleeves stand out, fit tight beyond the wrist to the fingers, offset by a wide train of silk lace.
The powdered and slightly serious face is framed and enhanced by a royal hairstyle of hats gathered in a diadem and ending with a large ornament of filigree and precious gems.
A sumptuous and elegant frame in gilded wood and probably of French origin, completes the work, enhancing its magnificence.
Our work, as described in the certificate of authenticity, comes from an important New York collection, that of Adolfo Sardiña known as simply Adolfo, super-awarded designer of Cuban origin, who moved to Paris in the 1950s, represented the well-known house of haute couture Chanel and Balenciaga, dressing famous people like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, CZ Guest, the Duchess of Windsor, and countless divas, with elegant and showy dresses.
The certificate of origin and authenticity is available and will accompany the work, guaranteeing its objective authenticity.
Sergio Schina
Antique dealer
Villa Stampanoni Antiques
Whats' App +39 3386233246
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