Archduchess Maria-Beatrice of Este (1750-1829), facing right in white dress with high lace collar and lace yolk, red cashmere stole with blue and white embroidered border draped around her shoulders, lace cap with ribbons tied under her chin in her curled dark hair; flowers, foliate, sky and cloud background

Maria-Beatrice of 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 her immense dowry and was married to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, fourth son of the Imperial couple in 1771. Her husband became Viceroy of Lombardy and later succeeded his father-in-law as Duke of Modena from 1803 to 1806. For a portrait of her daughter, Empress Maria Ludovika of Austria see lot 149.