Austrian School, 19th Century

According to labels on the reverse:

Ludwig III King of Bavaria

 

Scatttered cracquelure; Dirty varnish; Some retouches to the female sitter's hair A repaired and retouched hole of approximately 2 cm upper right to the male sitter's head; Small lack of paint, specifically to the edges (both portraits), due to frame damage; Modern frames
"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."

Franz Joseph was born on August 18, 1830 as son of the archduke Francis Charles (1802-1878), the second son of Emperor Francis I, and his wife archduchess Sophie, daughter of the King of Bavaria, Maximilian I.
On December 2, 1848, Franz Joseph started his long reign of the Austrian empire, which was restless and with social and national contradictions. A task of state importance was to get the young emperor married. To him was introduced Helene, daughter of Duke Maximilian in Bavaria. But Franz Joseph fell in love with the younger sister - charming Elisabeth who was called 'Sissi' by family and friends. Franz Joseph and Eugenie Amalie Elisabeth of Wittelsbach were married on April 24, 1854. Franz Joseph and Elisabeth were crowned on June 8, 1867 in Budapest as the King and Queen of Hungary. She was about seventeen when she became Empress of Austria.