Circle of Hans Makart

Fürstin Chariclée zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst (the sitter)
Thence by descent

The canvas has not been lined, and is slightly undulated. There are some scattered fine lines of craquelure, notably a minor area associated with pigment drying in the background to the left of the woman's head. Under ultra-violet light the varnish fluoresces relatively evenly and there are no notable signs of retouching. This work is in good overall condition and could benefit from a light professional clean if desired. Presented in a substantial gilt frame. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

The painting shows Princess Chariclée as a bride and the painting was given to her in 1882 on the occasion of her wedding in 1882 to Fürst Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. Fürstin Chariclée was the daughter of Gregorios Fürst Ypsilanti (1835-1886) and his wife Helena Sina de Hodod et Kizdia (1845-1893). Helena’s father was Simon Georg Freiherr von Sina (1810-1876), a very successful banker, owning large estates and the Bankhaus Sina in Vienna. For many years he was Greek envoy to the Imperial Court in Vienna.