Artwork
Portrait of Maria Josepha of Bavaria (1739-1767)

Portrait of Maria Josepha of Bavaria (1739-1767) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Martin van Meytens. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1765 oil painting by Martin van Meytens depicts Maria Josepha of Bavaria, a member of European nobility. The work is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows Maria Josepha with a calm, slightly smiling expression, wearing a dark blue dress with fur trim and holding a lace fan. Her attire and demeanor reflect her aristocratic status.
Technique & Style
Van Meytens's Rococo style is evident in the ornate detailing of Maria Josepha's clothing and the refined elegance of the overall composition. The artist's attention to texture is notable in the rendering of her fur collar and skin.
History & Provenance
Martin van Meytens, a Swedish-Austrian painter, was active at the Royal Court of Austria, where he frequently painted aristocratic subjects. This portrait is a product of his work within that context.
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin van Meytens (24 June 1695 – 23 March 1770) was a Swedish-Austrian painter who painted members of the Royal Court of Austria such as Marie Antoinette, Maria Theresa of Austria, Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, the…



















