Back to search results

PRINCE FELIX ZU SCHWARZENBERGFROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM

Creator(s):

Currently in storage


About this object

The half-length portrait presents Prince Felix zu Schwarzenberg facing partly left, eyes looking forward, against a dark grey background. The young prince is shown with tousled dark hair, sideburns, and a moustache. He wears a black uniform with a red collar, a gold sash, a gold aiguillette, and gold epaulettes. A tan cape with a red collar is draped over his uniform. This work may be based on a miniature created by Moritz Michael Daffinger in 1825. It is now part of the collection of the Museum der Stadt in Vienna. Biography (public description): Prince Felix zu Schwarzenberg (1800-1852) was the second son of a rich and powerful Bohemian noble family. As the younger son, he was destined for a military career; after spending his youth at the family seat in the Czech Republic, Felix entered the army. He served in several regiments before being introduced to Austrian politician and statesman Klemen vons Metternich in 1824. Recognizing his potential, Metternich appointed Felix as military attaché to the Austrian embassy in St. Petersburg that year. Williams Middleton recalled the Russian court of 1825 as the “most brilliant in Europe” and Felix as one of its most striking figures. He became well-acquainted with members of the diplomatic corps as well as the Russian aristocracy, including the Count de Lebzeltern and his brother-in-law, Sergei Troubetzskoy. Felix’s association with Troubetzskoy in the wake of the December Uprising led to his departure from Russia in 1826. In 1828 he was named attaché to the Austrian embassy at the Court of St. James’. After a brief transfer to Paris, Felix was sent to Berlin, where he remained for six years. Between 1838 and 1848, he acted as Minister to the courts of Turin, Parma, and Naples. For his role in suppressing political upheaval in Habsburg territory, Felix was designated Minister-President and Foreign Minister of Austria in 1848. While in office he worked to further strengthen monarchic control of the Empire and quell rebellion. Felix remained in these positions until his death in 1852.

The half-length portrait presents Prince Felix zu Schwarzenberg facing partly left, eyes looking forward, against a dark grey background. The young prince is shown with tousled dark hair, sideburns, and a moustache. He wears a black uniform with a red collar, a gold sash, a gold aiguillette, and gold epaulettes. A tan cape with a red collar is draped over his uniform.

Object name:
PRINCE FELIX ZU SCHWARZENBERGFROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM
Made from:
Watercolor and gouache on paper
Date made:
c.1824-1826
Size:
H. 6 7/8 in., W. 5 3/8 in.

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
52.39.18
Signature marks:
Inscription Prince Felix Schwarzenberg Bottom of page In cursive
Credit line:
Museum Purchase, 2004