Anton Einsle

Possibly:
Ferdinand II, King of The Two Sicilies (1810 – 1859)
His consort Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria (1816 – 1867)
Their daughter Princess Maria Pia of Naples-Sicily ( 1849 – 1882), married Duke Robert I of Parma (1848 – 1907)
Thence by descent to the present owners

Katrin Unterreiner, Kaiser Franz Joseph - Mythos und Wahrheit, Vienna, 2005, another version illustrated

Original canvas. Apart from some minor scattered spots of retouching, including along a minor vertical line near his left knee, and some light surface dirt, this work is in good condition. Held in a decorative gold-painted carved wood frame.
"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."

In this striking portrait, the Emperor is depicted at the age of 21 in the third year of his reign. Dressed as an Austrian Feldmarschall, he wears the badge of the Golden Fleece around his neck, and the Russian Order of St George with its black and orange ribbon. Franz Joseph had received the latter medal for the suppression of the 1848-1849 uprisings, for which the Russian army had also leant him their support.

In 1851, the Emperor sought to increase his powers, culminating in the 'Sylvester patent', which abolished press freedom, basic civil rights, and public trials. The posture here - of an absolute monarch, with Louis XIV as precedent - reflects his status. The plans on the table next to him may be for the fortress at Cracow, which the Emperor had ordered in 1850.

The Emperor's other medals, from top to bottom, are the Military Order of Maria Theresa (his sash being another symbol of the Order), with the Royal Hungarian Order of St Stephen (left) and the Order of Leopold (right) below. In the lowest row are the Order of the Iron Crown, and to the right the Order of Franz Joseph.