“Marie Antoinette & Marie Thérèse at Versailles” is an exquisite painting by the German artist Heinrich Lossow. Born in 1843, Lossow was an accomplished painter, illustrator, and etcher, who eventually passed away in 1897. The painting captures a moment in time at the Palace of Versailles, where Princess Marie Thérèse of Savoy was a trusted confidante of Queen Marie Antoinette. The artwork is beautifully framed in an original 19th-century Louis XVI gold leaf frame, which adds to the overall magnificence of the piece.
Marie Antoinette and Marie Thérèse: A Royal Friendship
The friendship between Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, and Marie Thérèse of Savoy, a member of the Italian royal family, was one of great trust and affection. Their bond blossomed during their time together at the grand and opulent Palace of Versailles. The painting by Lossow immortalizes their relationship, allowing viewers a glimpse into the lives of these two influential figures in European history.
Heinrich Lossow: The Artist and His Contemporaries
Heinrich Lossow’s skill as an artist was honed not only in his native Germany but also through his extensive travels and work in Italy. It was there that he further developed his expertise in historical costume genre painting, a style that depicts scenes from history or mythology with an emphasis on the clothing and fashion of the period.
While in Italy, Lossow collaborated and learned from several other prominent artists of his time, including Arturo Ricci (1854-1919), Vittorio Reggianini (1858-1938), and Frederic Soulacroix (1858-1933). These painters also specialized in the historical costume genre, and their combined influence contributed to Lossow’s unique and captivating artistic style.
Legacy of the Painting and its Subjects
“Marie Antoinette & Marie Thérèse at Versailles” serves as a testament to the mastery of Heinrich Lossow and the historical costume genre. The painting not only showcases the fashion and lifestyle of the French aristocracy but also immortalizes the genuine friendship between these two extraordinary women. In doing so, it helps preserve the memory of Marie Antoinette and Marie Thérèse’s lives, as well as their time spent together at the iconic Palace of Versailles.
Last known public exibition of the painting Marie Antoinette & Marie Thérèse at Versailles
The last known public exhibition of “Marie Antoinette & Marie Thérèse at Versailles” by Heinrich Lossow took place at a prestigious gallery in Europe. The painting was displayed alongside other historical costume genre paintings from the 19th century. However, due to the nature of art ownership, it is possible that the painting has been in a private collection for some time, which would make it challenging to track its current location.
Regarding the painting’s sales history, it is plausible that it has changed hands several times throughout the years, either through auctions or private sales. In some cases, valuable artworks like this one might be donated to museums or other cultural institutions. Given the potential for fluctuations in the art market and changing tastes of collectors, it is not uncommon for such paintings to experience varying levels of demand and value over time.