Trompe l'Oeil: Prints with Maria Teresa, Using Original Copperplates

c. 1790

Milanese 18th Century and Michelangelo Mercoli

Associated Names
Michelangelo Mercoli

Artist, Italian, 1773 - 1802

The image shows a portrait of Maria Teresa in an oval frame. She is facing slightly to the left with her gaze towards the viewer. Maria Teresa's features include defined eyes and a small mouth, with an elaborate hairstyle typical of her time. She wears a dress with a ruffled collar and a brooch at her neck. The frame surrounding her portrait is decorated with intricate floral patterns. Two smaller figures are on each side of her portrait. On the left, a figure is carrying a basket of grapes and holding a bunch of grapes aloft. On the right, another figure is dancing with their knee raised and holding a bunch of grapes. Both figures wear classical style garments. The background features a richly patterned and embroidered design with floral motifs and curling fronds.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving printed in black and brown with ochre watercolor on blue laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ellwanger/Mescha Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.6 x 28 cm (10 1/16 x 11 in.)
    sheet: 29 x 43.8 cm (11 7/16 x 17 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.163.6


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

in portrait of Maria Teresa: MARIA TERESA / DI LORENA ARCIDUCHESSA DI AUSTRIA / SPOSA DI VITTORIO EM DI SAV. D'AOSTA; lower left in plate: Franco Biondi dip; lower right in plate: Mercoli nip inc. ; by later hand, upper center in ink: No. 12 & NO

Wikidata ID

Q76335952

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