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), presented as an oval composition depicting her almost frontally in a gold dress adorned with precious diamond decorations along the neckline, her hair piled high, bearing the famous "Blue Wittelsbach" diamond. As a symbol of her status, she wears a draped ermine mantle, beside which she places a princely hat. Maria Amalia, daughter of Emperor Joseph I (Holy Roman Empire), married Elector Charles Albert of Bavaria in 1722, who became Emperor Charles VII of the Holy Roman Empire in 1742. The painting was likely created in 1722 on the occasion of their wedding. Requires restoration. 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 incorporated the diamond into her imperial crown. German portrait painter, active in the first half of the 18th century; Portrait of Maria Amalia of Austria as the Electress of Bavaria, later Holy Roman Empress. Oil on canvas. Requires restoration.