Joseph II, Emperor of Austria (1741-1790) c.1780
Oil on canvas | 91.9 x 73.4 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406448
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Joseph II was the son of Francis I (1708-65) and the Empress Maria Theresa (1717-80); he succeeded his father in 1765, but only acted as sole ruler for a decade after the death of his mother in 1780. He was one of the key ‘enlightened despots’ of the eighteenth century, liberating surfs and establishing religious toleration in 1781 and abolishing the death penalty in 1787.
This is a copy of a composition created by Joseph Hickel (1736-1807). The Emperor appears half-length, wearing military uniform; the Order of the Golden Fleece is visible around his neck and he wears the sash and badge of the Military Order of Maria Theresa.Provenance
Probably acquired by George IV; recorded in store at Carlton House in 1816 (no 477) and 1819 (no 278, valued at 15 guineas); subsequently in Windsor Castle
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Creator(s)
Previously attributed to (artist) -
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
91.9 x 73.4 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
106.8 x 89.5 x 6.0 cm (frame, external)