$3,200
British School, 19th Century Portrait of Elisabeth of Bavaria Unsigned, inscribed "Wigmore Hall" in a later hand, on the reverse. Oil on canvas, 33 1/4 x 27 in. (84.5 x 68.6 cm), framed. Condition: Lined, retouch, scattered losses, craquelure. N.B. The iconic Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898) was affectionately known as "Sissi." In 1854, she married Francis Joseph I, becoming Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia. Elisabeth rejected the strict etiquette of the Hapsburg court; she was a free spirit who wrote poetry and traveled extensively throughout her reign. In 1889, Sissi was devastated by the apparent suicide of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf. In 1898, the princess was murdered by an anarchist, Luigi Lucheni. Elisabeth's legacy continues throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, as she has been the subject of many books, movies, theatrical works, and songs. The lining is recent and is adhered with glue or resin. The retouch is scattered dashes and strokes (including some areas of the face), and broader areas to the background, especially near the upper left corner and near the lower edge. The craquelure is unobtrusive and stable.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-03-06
