Jakob Michel

The colours are a little warmer than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is unlined and is composed of two pieces of canvas vertically joined together. There are a number of tears throughout the canvas, some of which have been patched to the reverse. Two large ones lower centre visible in the catalogue illustration, one centre left and two upper right, and some scattered smaller tears. The paint surface is dirty and there are scattered patches of flaking. Inspection under UV light reveals scattered retouching and areas of repaint throughout. This painting would benefit from restoration. Offered in a wooden black paint frame with some knocks.
"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."

Charles VI (1685–1740), or Karl VI in German, was Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia (as Karel II) and Hungary-Croatia (as Károly III.) from 1711 to 1740. From 1703 to 1711 he was an active claimant to the throne of Spain as Charles III, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession.

Very little is known about the life of the German painter Jakob Michel, but he was certainly active at the Imperial Court at the beginning of the 18th Century. He also painted portraits of Charles' father Emperor Leopold I, and his wife Éléonore of Neuburg.