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Presumed portraits of Prince Paul Anton Ill Esterházy and his wife the Princess Maria Theresa Esterházy born von Thurn und Taxis, circa 1800-1810s

Firmin Massot, Swiss

Can’t resist an urge to temporally act as that annoying individual who wants to intervene just because “what about 19th century men depicted in the exact same manner and are there even any at all” ?

It seems especially relevant after our recent visit to the State Historical Museum, where we were lucky enough to locate a portrait which suits the theme of “an empire-styled person with the harp” perfectly. ✨

It’s a portrait of a young gentleman drawn in 1801 by the Austrian portraitist Ludwig Guttenbrunn (1750 - 1819).

One of their many protégés, he worked for a while for the most prominent Hungarian dynasty in the Habsburg’s monarchy, Esterházy de Galántha, then travelled and studied a lot in Italy and England, until in 1795, on the recommendation of the Russian envoy in London, he moved to Saint Petersburg and later to Moscow.

Through years he was able to depict a fair amount of Russian noblemen and women, including this charming young man, Nikolay Mikhailovich Gusyatnikov, who originated from a wealthy family of merchants, highly regarded in Moscow, and lately became the first one in his family to be elevated to the noble dignity thanks to his military service.

Women playing the harp during the Napoleonic era, early 19th century

Silk empire style dress with embroidered roses

circa 1800, Napoleonic era

Austrian

Source: The Met