ENGELBRECHT, Martin (1684-1756)

Maria Anna, Archiducissa Austriæ, Nata Ao. 1718 d. 14 Sept. Caroli Principis Lotharing. Conjux. desponsata Ao. 1744. d. 7. Januari.

Augsburg: Published by Martin Engelbrecht, circa 1745. Engraving with thick early colour with gold highlights. Printed on laid paper. In excellent condition with the exception of some minor foxing in the margins. Image size: 10 1/8 x 7 1/8 inches. Sheet size: 14 1/8 x 8 3/4 inches.

A lovely portrait, with stunning early colour, of Maria Anna, Archduchess of Austria, by the celebrated Augsburg engraver Martin Engelbrecht.

Maria Anna (1718-1746) was Maria Theresa's younger sister. In 1744, she married Charles Alexander of Lorraine, brother of Francis Stephen, Maria Theresa's husband and, nominally, Emperor. She died in 1746 in childbirth. Martin Engelbrecht was one of the most prolific engravers and printsellers in Augsburg at the close of the 17th century. Along with his brother Christian, Martin dominated the print trade, producing some of the finest prints of his day. His outstanding portraits and landscape studies are beyond compare and his religious and allegorical engravings display a technical aptitude superior to many of his contemporaries. Martin had great success with his optical prints, which were used in perspective boxes. He is best remembered for his equestrian portraits depicting European nobility, and his engravings of Queen Elizabeth and Joseph II are numbered amongst his best work. This stunning portrait of Maria Anna is a rare example with vibrant early colour and is a wonderful example of Engelbrecht's superior work.

Item #15093

Price: $750.00