Who painted Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818)?

Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818) was painted by Georg Desmarées in 1750.

Where can I see Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818)?

Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818) is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818)?

Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818)

Georg Desmarées , 1750

Elisabeth Apollonia of Saxony (1736–1818) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Georg Desmarées. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Georg Desmarées painted this oil portrait around 1750, presenting the young Princess Maria Elisabeth of Saxony, who lived from 1736 to 1818. The work is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it is displayed among other 18th‑century court portraits.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in an elaborate white gown with a high, ruffled collar and puffed sleeves, signifying her noble status. A cascade of large, round pearls drapes her neck, a conventional indicator of wealth and refinement in the period, while her coiffure, topped with a decorative brooch, underscores her aristocratic identity.

Technique & Style

Desmarées employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using a dark, uniform background to isolate the figure and enhance the three‑dimensional effect. The light falls softly on the flesh and fabric, rendering the textures of silk and pearls with a smooth, tactile quality that emphasizes the sitter’s elegance.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in German collections, eventually entering the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings. The museum acquired it as part of its broader effort to represent the visual culture of Germanic courts in the mid‑18th century.