The unknown painter (German-Austrian, ca 1800). Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II

Oil, canvas

60,8 x 46,6 cm

The personality of the model was identified by the Russian art critic, researcher of portrait art of the 18th century Semyon Arkadyevich Ekshtut

Joseph II – King of Germany since March 27, 1764, elected Holy Roman Emperor on August 18, 1765, the eldest son of Maria Theresa, until the end of November 1780 was her co-ruler; after the death of Maria Theresa on November 29, 1780, he inherited from her the possessions of the Habsburgs – the Archduchy of Austria, the Kingdoms of Bohemia and Hungary. Outstanding statesman, reformer, brilliant representative of the era of enlightened absolutism.