Lot 171: Alexandre-Evariste Fragonard (Grasse 1780-1850 Paris)

The Empress Maria Theresa presenting the future Emperor Joseph II to the Magnates of Hungary
signed 'A. fragonard.'
black chalk, pen and brown ink, brown wash heightened with white
9 7/8 x 14 1/4 in. (277 x 362 mm.)

A study for the painting by Fragonard exhibited at the Salon of 1822 (no. 499), then at the Musée du Luxembourg, and now at the Musée Fragonard in Grasse.
The scene depicted took place at the Hungarian Diet shortly after the birth of Joseph on 13 March 1741. Maria Theresa had just suceeded her father the Emperor Charles VI and was seeking the support of the Hungarian nobles. She held up her newborn baby to show the continuity of the family and the Magnates gave her their support. Joseph succeeded his mother in 1780.