Attribué à l’atelier d’Anton Raphaël Mengs - Maria Luisa d’Espagne Granduchesse de Toscane, Anton Raphael Mengs, circa 1765

Detailed description charming portrait of maria luisa of spain, granduchess of tuscany, oil on canvas, attributed to the workshop of anton raphaël mengs around 1765. From the collection of mr adolfo sardiña - in the historic villa of edward berwind on fifth avenue - new york oil on canvas, height 115 cm x width 97 cm anton raphael mengs 1728 - 1775 the opening of the painting revolves around the portrait in the foreground of maria-luisa, shown turned towards the viewer, graceful on an armchair with a gilded back and upholstered in red velvet, in a royal position and with a fan in her hand, this particular instrument of seduction and coded language, traces over the centuries the most sensual, precious and refined canvases of artists of all time. In the background as if to frame the lady, a large dark green curtain, draped and decorated with a sumptuous golden thread, reveals and lets us glimpse the architectural glimpse of a column, symbol of virtue and power; while a crown adorned with precious stones and diamonds, sits near the lady, symbolizing her upcoming ascension to the throne of empress. The grand duchess dressed in light and magic alone, in beauty and rarity, from this rare solemn balance, emerges from learned brushstrokes which highlight a dress, a masterpiece of exquisite, marvelous embroidered white silk couture, embellished with rich flakes of foaming green silk, which give way to buttons adorned with diamonds. The bodice accentuates the beauty of a half-covered, square neckline, illuminated by a pearl necklace and a smaller one with cross pendant, symbolizing faith, and dropped in full length. The sleeves stand out, fit tight beyond the wrist to the fingers, offset by a wide trail of silk lace. The powdered and somewhat serious face is framed and enhanced by a royal hairstyle of hats collected with tiaras, ending with a large ornament of filigree and precious stones. A sumptuous and elegant frame in gilded wood, probably of french origin, completes the work by exalting its magnificence. Our work, as described in the certificate of authenticity, comes from an important new york collection, that of adolfo sardiña known simply as adolfo, an award-winning super designer of cuban origin, who moved to paris in the 1950s, represented the famous haute couture house chanel and balenciaga, dressing famous people such as jacqueline kennedy onassis, cz guest, the duchess of windsor, and countless divas, with elegant and flashy clothes. Sergio schina antique dealer, collector villa stampanoni antiques. Date: circa 1765.