Archduchess Maria Beatrice d' Este, Duchess of Massa and Princess of Carrara (1750-1829), in gold-figured blue dress with white underdress, ermine-bordered gold cloak draped over her shoulders, blue ribbons adorning her white lace cap in her powdered upswept hair, wearing the badge of the Starry Cross Order

Details

LAPI, CIRCA 1775
Archduchess Maria Beatrice d' Este, Duchess of Massa and Princess of Carrara (1750-1829), in gold-figured blue dress with white underdress, ermine-bordered gold cloak draped over her shoulders, blue ribbons adorning her white lace cap in her powdered upswept hair, wearing the badge of the Starry Cross Order
signed 'Lapi f.' (mid-left)
oval, 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) high, gilt-metal mount

Provenance

King Umberto II of Italy (1904-1983); (+) Sotheby's, Geneva, 12 November 1984, lot 129.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Maria Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Massa and Princess of Carrara was the only daughter and heiress of Ercole III, Duke of Modena. Although not blessed with looks, Maria Beatrice became an interesting object for Empress Maria Theresia's marriage strategy due to he immense dowry and was married to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, fourth son of the Imperial couple in 1711. Her husband became Vicreoy of Lombardy and later succeeded his father-in-law as Duke of Modena from 1803 to 1806. Another larger miniature on paper of this sitter was sold in these rooms on 6 November 2001, lot 243.

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