Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, and Holy Roman Empress

The portrait was created in 1747 as a commissioned work by Jean-Étienne Liotard, depicting Maria Theresa in her role as Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, and Holy Roman Empress. It is executed in vitreous enamel on copper and measures 62 cm in height by 51 cm in width. The work entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.

The painting was produced during Liotard’s time at the Habsburg court, reflecting the imperial patronage that supported many of his works. Its creation aligns with the mid-18th century practice of producing formal state portraits in enamel, a medium Liotard favored for its luminous finish and durability. The piece was later acquired by the Rijksmuseum, which catalogs it under its collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.

Dating of the work is confirmed by the inception date recorded in archival sources, which places its creation in 1747. The use of copper as a support and the technique of vitreous enamel application further support its attribution and historical context within Liotard’s oeuvre.

The portrait of Maria Theresa painted by Jean-Étienne Liotard in 1747 established a lasting visual archetype of Habsburg imperial authority. Its reproduction through enamel work preserved the queen's distinctive features and regal posture, influencing court portraiture across 18th-century Europe. The work's presence in the Rijksmuseum collection has ensured continuous scholarly attention to Liotard's role in shaping imperial iconography, cementing its reputation as a benchmark for aristocratic representation.

Created in 1747, this portrait presents Maria Theresa, the ruling Archduchess of Austria who also held the titles of Queen of Hungary and Bohemia and Holy Roman Empress. Executed on a copper plate, the work belongs to the collection of the Rijksmuseum and exemplifies the artist’s commitment to precise, lifelike representation during the mid‑18th‑century Rococo era.