A*** Matthes

Collection du Prince P. Golitzine, Moscou 

Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich, Portraits Russes, vol. II, pl. LXIV, no. 90; 
L. Schidlof, The Miniature in Europe, Graz, 1964, vol. II,  p. 541, décrit 'very good'

This work is in fine condition. In the background there is some minor pigments losses and very minor discolouration. The gold on the wooden part of the frame is cracked.
"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."

Le comte Ludwig Lebzeltern naquit à Lisbonne en 1854 d’un père autrichien envoyé au Portugal. Le comte suivit son père dans la voix diplomatique  et travailla entre 1801 et 1813 à Madrid puis à Rome. Il joua un rôle très important pendant la longue Diète de Zurich (1813-14) et fut nommé ambassadeur d’Autriche a Saint Petersbourg en 1816. En 1822, il fut anobli en Autriche et épousa l’année suivante Zénaide, Comtesse de Laval. Il resta en Russie jusqu’en 1826 avant de devenir ambassadeur à Naples en 1830, ville dans laquelle il resta après sa retraite en 1843.

Le portrait que nous présentons fut peint à Saint Petersburg en 1822. Déjà très décoré, le modèle porte ici l’ordre prussien de l’Aigle Rouge, l’ordre russe de Saint Vladimir, l’ordre de Saint Ferdinand des deux Siciles, les ordres autrichiens de la couronne de fer ainsi que l’ordre de Saint Stéphane et la Croix d’or du mérite civil. 

The sitter was born in Lisbon in 1854. His father was an Austrian envoy to Portugal. Comte Louis followed his father into diplomatic service and between 1801 and 1813 he worked in Madrid and Rome. During the longue Diète in Zurich (1813-14) he played a leading role and in 1816 he was appointed Austrian ambassador to Saint Pétersbourg. In 1822 he was raised to the Austrian peerage and in the following year he married Zénaïde, comtesse de Laval. He remained in Russia until 1826, before being appointed Ambassador to Naples in 1830. After his retirement in 1843 he stayed in that city. The present portrait was painted in Saint Pétersbourg in 1822. Already a highly decorated civil servant, he is portrayed wearing the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, the Russian Order of St. Vladimir, the Order of St. Ferdinand of the Two Sicily’s, the Austrian Order of the Iron Crown, the Austrian Order of St. Stephen and the Gold Civil Merit Cross.

A*** Matthes, Portrait of Graf Ludwig Lebzeltern (1774-1854) ; Watercolour and bodycolour on card or vellum, gilt-metal mount, gilt-wood frame ; Signed centre right: a. Matthes / 1822