E. Bernhard, Chevalier de Guérard

wearing a lace trimmed white dress and a blue shawl, gilt-metal frame

Ivory ground. This miniature is in good condition, save some minor losses located along the right margin, below the mount. The underside of the glass has dust and surface grime which slightly disfigures the view of the miniature itself.
"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."

This miniature is a variant of another, signed by de Guérard and dated 1813, in the House of Orange-Nassau Historic Collections Trust (inv. no. m 441, see Schaffers-Bodenhausen/Tiethoff-Spliethoff 1993, no. 171, illustrated).

The identity of the sitter in this miniature is uncertain. It possibly represents Archduchess Maria Ludovica of Austria-Este (1787-1816), third consort of Franz I, Emperor of Austria. The features, however, do not correspond exactly to those depicted in an authenticated portrait of the Empress, painted by de Guérard in 1807, in the collection of the Imperial House of Habsburg, Vienna (see Keil 1999, no. 237, illustrated). This may be the consequence of increased stylisation brought on by ceaseless repetition of an official portrait.