MEYTENS, Martin van, II
(b. 1695, Stockholm, d. 1770, Vienna)

Empress Maria Theresa

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Oil on canvas
Town Hall, Ghent

This portrait of the Empress is in the reception salon of the Ghent Town Hall. The dress of Flemish lace that she is wearing was a gift to her from the states of Flanders. The dress was made by Ghent orphans. Out of gratitude for this expensive present, Maria Theresa allowed her portrait to be painted by her court painter, Martin van Meytens, after which the completed work was handed over to the members of the states.




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