ANTON FRIEDRICH KÖNIG (GERMAN, 1722-1787)

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

Details

ANTON FRIEDRICH KÖNIG (GERMAN, 1722-1787)
Elisabeth Christina of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern (1715-1797), Queen Consort of Frederick the Great, in silver silk dress embroidered with roses with gold brocade detailing, trimmed at the sleeves and décolletage with wide bands of lace, holding a closed fan in her right hand, wearing a gem-set choker in the shape of a bow, pearl earring, her powdered upswept hair dressed in curls and adorned with a black ostrich feather; to her right a diamond-set crown on a red velvet cushion, next to an ermine-lined red velvet cloak, brown curtain
on ivory
oval, 4.5/8 in. (118 mm.) high, silver frame marked 'V.H.' and '826S', with paste surround, and tied ribbon surmount

Provenance

Galerie Charpentier, Paris, 19-20 December 1949, lot 56.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Emma Durkin

edurkin@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2609

Lot Essay

The sitter was the daughter of Duke Ferdinand Albert II and Duchess Antoinette of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. In 1733, she married Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, later Frederick the Great (see lots 185 and 187). Their marriage was arranged by their respective parents and was unhappy from the beginning. They lived separately for most of their lives, often not seeing one another for years and only meeting at large family reunions.

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