The Portrait of Maria Theresa

The portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in mourning was painted originally by the French artist Joseph Ducreux in 1769 and was later reproduced frequently and spread throughout the continent. The black dress, bonnet and discreet jewelry lend elegance to the otherwise modestly smiling figure, characterized by piety and peace of mind. The painting reflects the mourning in which Maria Theresa took refuge after the death of Francis Stephen. Devastated, she cut her hair short and wore black clothes for the rest of her life. She withdrew from public life and gave up wearing jewelry, except for pearls, a symbol of tears, and black onyx beads.