Portrait of the empress Maria Theresa of Austria 1762

Jean-Étienne Liotard's 1762 portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria showcases the artist's mastery of pastel. The sitter is depicted in a relaxed pose, her gaze directed slightly to the right, conveying an air of regal composure. Liotard skillfully captures the empress's features with meticulous detail, particularly her delicate skin and the intricate lace of her gown. This work, currently housed in the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva, stands as a testament to Liotard's ability to render both the physical and the emotional essence of his subject.