An exquisite portrait of Maria Amalia of Austria: a symbol of status and luxury

(Active in the first half of the 18th century) Palace bust portrait of Maria Amalia of Austria as the Electress of Bavaria (1701–1756), the presented painting with an oval composition depicting her almost en face in a golden dress adorned with precious diamond jewelry along the edge of the neckline, her hair styled high, on which is placed the famous "Blue Wittelsbach" diamond. As a symbol of her status, she wears a draped ermine mantle, next to which she dons a princely hat. Maria Amalia, daughter of Emperor Joseph I (Holy Roman Empire), married the Elector Charles Albert of Bavaria in 1722, who became Emperor Charles VII of the Holy Roman Empire in 1742. The painting was probably created in 1722 on the occasion of their wedding. Restoration required. 92 cm x 72 cm. Framed. The painting is one of the earliest depictions of the "Blue Wittelsbach." This diamond was transferred from the Habsburg owner as part of Maria Amalia’s dowry in 1722 on the occasion of her marriage to the House of Wittelsbach; later, Maria Amalia included the diamond in her imperial crown. German portrait painter, active in the first half of the 18th century; Portrait of Maria Amalia of Austria as Electress of Bavaria, later Holy Roman Empress. Oil on canvas. Restoration required.