PÉCHEUX, Laurent
(b. 1729, Lyon, d. 1821, Torino)

Portrait of Maria Luisa of Parma, Later Queen of Spain

1765
Oil on canvas, 231 x 165 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

In 1765 Laurent Pécheux was called to Parma to paint Princess Maria Luisa (1751–1819) who, although only thirteen, was already renowned for being spoiled and conceited. This portrait, whose commission is recorded in great detail in the artist's autobiography, was for the family of her fiancé, the Prince of Asturias, later King Charles IV of Spain (1748–1819).