German School, 18th Century

The actual painting is less bright and has less contrast in the colours than the illustration in the catalogue suggests.The canvas consists of several pieces that are separately relined.Seams of the individual canvases are visible to the front. The paint surface has been flattened. Retouched fillings are visible throughout, especially in the background. Discoloured retouchings appear in the face, wig and hands. The paint surface is covered with a thick, dirty and glossy varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light is somewhat impeded by the varnish layer, but addittional areas of retouchings become apparent in the lower right, upper part of the uniform, the golden embroidery and in both cuffs. Offered unframed. (JD)
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Duke Carl Alexander of Württemberg was born in Stuttgart on 24 January, 1684. Probably for financial reasons this son of one of the side lines of the House Württemberg entered military service at the age of 12, even in the 17^th century a very young age. Not yet aged 33 he was promoted to the rank of a Generalfeldmarschall, one of the highest ranks in the Imperial army, only below that of Prince Eugen of Savoy (1663-1736). In 1719 he was entrusted with the administration of Belgrad as a reward to his important role in the war against the Ottoman Empire between 1716 and 1719. In 1727 he married Princess Maria Augusta of Thurn and Taxis (1706-1756). In 1734 he succeeded his uncle as Regierender Herzog von Württemberg, thus becoming one of the most influential rulers in the Holy Roman Empire. When Duke Carl Alexander died on 12 March 1737, he, who had converted to Catholic faith in 1712, was buried in the crypt of the Ludwigsburg castle (Catholic section).

For further information on Duke Carl Alexander, see: Lorenz, Sönke/Mertens, Dieter/Press, Volker, ed., Das Haus Württemberg. Ein biographisches Lexikon, Stuttgart 1997, pp. 254-6.