Ferdinand (1754-1806) was the fourth son of Emperor Franz-Stephan and Empress Maria-Theresia (see lot 147). During his childhood, he was chosen as the future husband of the rich heiress Princess Maria-Beatrice of Este-Modena (see lot 175), and married her in 1771. He moved to Milan in order to become governor of Lombardy, from 1780 until 1796. During the French occupation of Milan, he lived with his family in exile in Vienna. Among his nine children were Maria-Leopoldine (see lot 201), Francis-Joseph (see lot 174) and Maximilian-Joseph (see lot 176).