Austrian: Artist Unknown

Miniature Portrait of Emperor Joseph II -- formerly a holding of the King Umberto Collection

Joseph II (1741-1790), Holy Roman Emperor from 1764 to 1790

circa 1800-1820
Artist Unknown
1 3/16 x 1 5/8 inches (sight)

Formerly a holding of the King Umberto Collection
(Umberto II of Italy -- 1848-1924 -- 4th Great Nephew of Joseph II)

Joseph II was Holy Roman Emperor for the period 1765-1790, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia and Archduke of Austria. He was the eldest son of the powerful Austrian ruler and Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresa and her husband Francis I, and he was a brother of Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of French King Louis XVI.

Having been a holding in the personal collection of King Umberto II of Italy, this miniature portrait is of unique historical value and is considered a highly desirable collectible. It was, nonetheless, painted by an unknown artist (likely copied from earlier works by Austrian artist Joseph Hickel) sometime in the three decades after the death of Joseph II -- making it less important than a portrait painted by a known artist, taken during a live sitting of the emperor.

Attribution Advice Welcomed: Do you recognize aspects of this miniature portrait that you believe should be attributed to a specific artist that we have failed to consider? If so, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions and invite you to contact us.