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Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück

Unknown , 1793

Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück, by Unknown, oil, 1793
Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück, by Unknown, oil, 1793

Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This oil painting depicts a young man seated at a desk, gesturing towards a bust.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the young Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, holding a bust of his predecessor Joseph II. This juxtaposition links the reigning monarch to his late uncle, emphasizing continuity of imperial authority and the legacy of reform associated with Joseph II. The work thus conveys themes of succession and the enduring influence of Joseph II's policies within the Habsburg dynasty.

Technique & Style

in the background, creating a restrained formal balance typical of late‑18th‑century court portraiture.

The work is an oil on canvas portrait completed in 1785. It shows the young archduke in a half-length format, rendered with smooth brushwork that emphasizes the sitter’s dignified posture and the subtle rendering of fabric and flesh. The composition is tightly framed, focusing on the upper torso and the bust of Joseph II. in the background, creating a restrained formal balance typical of late‑18th‑century court portraiture.

History & Provenance

The portrait was painted in 1785, when Franz I was approximately 17 years old, and it depicts him alongside a bust of his uncle, Emperor Joseph II. The work is attributed to Joseph Hickel and is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 130 by 100 centimeters.

It entered the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains today. The painting is classified as a genre portrait and aligns with the museum’s holdings of imperial portraiture from the late 18th century.

Overview

This oil painting depicts a young man seated at a desk, gesturing towards a bust. The subject is richly attired in an ornate white coat with red cuffs and gold buttons, set against a dark background.

Emperor Joseph II with Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany
Emperor Joseph II with Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany, Pompeo Batoni

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

MORE BY UNKNOWN

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück?

Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück was painted by Unknown in 1793.

Where can I see Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück?

Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück?

Kaiser Franz I. (II.) (1768-1835) im Alter von etwa 17 Jahren mit der Büste von Kaiser Joseph II., Kniestück is associated with Rococo painting.