ANTON RAPHAEL MENGS (1728-1779). Ismael Mengs (Portrait of the Artist's Father), 18th century. Pastel on paper laid down...

Description

ANTON RAPHAEL MENGS (1728-1779)
Ismael Mengs (Portrait of the Artist's Father), 18th century
Pastel on paper laid down on panel
23 x 18 inches (58.4 x 45.7 cm)

Anton Raphael Mengs was born in 1728 to parents of German ancestry in Bohemia. His father, Ismael Mengs, who is portrayed with great sensitivity in the present work, was an accomplished artist and started tutoring his son at an early age. Raphael would become one of the leading portraitists of his period, not simply in Germany, but internationally as well. He received many royal commissions from the king of Poland, who was particulary fond of pastellists, Pope Clement XIV in Rome, and Charles III of Spain, who engaged him to decorate the Royal Palace in Madrid.

The portrait is handsomely presented in a period, carved wooden gilt frame.

Provenance:
C.D.Molesworth, The Orangery, Moore Park, Hertfordshire;
William Thuillier,Old Master Paintings & Drawings, London;
Crow Art Partnership Collection, Dallas, Texas

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