1032 - 18th-Century New Spain School - Pair of Alleged Portraits of Charles III and Maria Amalia of Saxony

18th-Century New Spain School - Pair of Alleged Portraits of Charles III and Maria Amalia of Saxony Oil on oval canvas. This pair of portraits, produced in the 18th-century New Spain School, depicts the presumed monarchs Charles III and Maria Amalia of Saxony in a setting that emphasizes both royal majesty and the refinement of their era. In the portrait of Maria Amalia, she is shown seated with an elegant bearing, dressed in a wide green gown adorned with golden floral motifs that highlight the splendor and wealth associated with royalty. The crown, placed on a pedestal to her left, symbolizes her position as sovereign, while the background features a cloudy sky that adds depth and a solemn air to the composition. The color palette stands out for the harmony between the warm tones of gold and red that contrast with the predominant green, conveying a sense of visual balance. In the portrait of Charles III, he is depicted with a serious and determined expression, dressed in a blue uniform with gold embroidery and a red cloak that reinforce his status as a monarch. The cross of a dynastic order that he wears on his chest reinforces his authority and connection to the tradition of European royal houses. The rendering of the face—more austere and precise—reflects an intention to convey character and authority, in contrast to the delicacy of the suit’s details. Both works stand out for the precision in the depiction of the fabrics and the use of soft lighting that contours the faces and hands—characteristic elements of New Spanish portraiture, which combined European Baroque influences with a particular emphasis on color and ornamentation. These pieces reflect New Spain’s admiration for European royalty, portraying the monarchs with a combination of majesty and approachability, while showcasing the high technical and artistic standards of 18th-century colonial workshops. Dimensions: 104 x 84 (without frame), ...