Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily, 2nd Wife of Franz II 1805

Joseph Kreutzinger painted this portrait of Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily, the second wife of Franz II. Kreutzinger, born in Vienna during the Habsburg Empire, was known for his portraits of Austrian nobility, capturing their likenesses with a delicate touch. In this portrait, Maria Theresa is depicted with soft features and a gentle gaze, embodying the aristocratic ideals of beauty and grace of the late 18th century. But what does it mean to be a woman of power in this era? Maria Theresa's identity as both a woman and a member of the royal family shaped her existence within a rigid social hierarchy. Her marriage was strategic, reinforcing political alliances, yet it also defined her personal life. Her red shawl hints at the passions of her homeland of Naples. The portrait provides a glimpse into the world of a woman whose life was a complex interplay of personal identity and political role.