Deutsch, nach Mengs

Frederick Augustus II, Elector of Saxony, August III as King of Poland

This miniature, being related to Silvestre's painting of 1743 (cat.-no. 2008-106) as to the type of physiognomy, essentially copies the pastel portrait by Mengs from the year 1745. In the rendition of clothes and wig the artist, however, granted himself great artistic licence. He painted additional ornaments to the armour, changed the display of the ermine coat, moved the order closer to the picture's centre and let long tresses drop on the sitter's right shoulder. Thus the miniature portrait appears more prestigious and less direct than the model. ¹

Mengs' picture of the king, which he created with just 17 years of age and in merely four sittings, was a great success and the basis for his career at the Saxon court. ² The artist won special praise for rendering the harmonious features of the king, who in his time was deemed a markedly handsome man, yet additionally captured his individual personality. The slight view from below had the double chin of the king come strongly to the fore, conferring superiority and grandeur on the ruler.

B.P.

¹ We are very grateful to the gentleman who does not wish to be named for his help in researching the miniature.

² Cf. Roettgen 2001, pp. 126-127.Thanks to the descriptions of an attendant observing the work, the progress of the sittings is well documented.