Joseph II (1741–1790), Emperor of Austria 1775 - 1785

This miniature portrait by Adam Ludwig d’Argent depicts Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, in a military uniform with a sash and elaborate collar. The miniature is set in a diamond-encrusted oval frame, a hallmark of the Rococo era, and was likely commissioned as a personal keepsake or as a piece of jewelry. The detail in the miniature is exquisite, showcasing d’Argent’s skill in capturing the likeness and presence of the powerful monarch, Joseph II (1741-1790). The artwork, dating from 1775 to 1785, is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.