Pair of Trompe l’œil Panels Featuring Portraits of Empress Marie-Louise, Italy, c. 1850–1880

Description: 

This pair of panels, created in Italy between 1850 and 1880, represents an artistic curiosity from the second half of the 19th century. They ingeniously combine collaged prints and trompe-l’œil painting, inspired by 18th-century aesthetics. The background, mimicking a framed wooden board, is skillfully rendered: painted shadows and borders create an illusion of depth on the flat surface.

The first panel is centered on an engraved portrait of Marie-Louise, after Jean-Baptiste Isabey (1767–1855). It is surrounded by prints depicting historic views of Parma, including the Taro Bridge—built at the Empress’s initiative—a city map, a Gazetta di Parma dated February 22, 1826, and a decree issued by Marie-Louise. These documents, “affixed” with painted nails, enhance the trompe-l’œil effect.

The second panel follows a similar arrangement, featuring an engraved portrait of Marie-Louise by Giovanni Rocca (1788–1858), this time accompanied by a Gazetta di Parma from June 26, 1826. On both panels, the artist placed objects—a chamberlain’s key bearing the Archduchess’s cypher, a quill, and a pair of spectacles—to further emphasize the trompe-l’œil illusion.

Technical Note: 

Unlike traditional trompe-l’œil works, which are entirely painted, these panels incorporate both prints and painting, a technique comparable to that seen in two works held at the Musée Carnavalet: Trompe-l’œil with Assignats(anonymous, after 1792, inv. G.29858) and Trompe-l’œil with Assignats and Spectacles (L. C. François, engraver, after 1795, inv. G.29862).

Intertwined M and A monogram (Research in progress)

Dimensions: 

Unframed: Height 19⅝ in – Length 25⅝ in.

Framed: Height 24 in - Length 30 in.

Provenance: 

Private Italian collection.

Condition: 

In fine original condition. 

Related Works:

Anonymous, Trompe-l’œil with Assignats, after 1792, 18th century, Paris, Musée Carnavalet (inv. G.29858).

François, L. C. (engraver), Trompe-l’œil with Assignats and Spectacles, after 1795, 18th century, Paris, Musée Carnavalet (inv. G.29862).

Bibliographical Reference: 

Trompe-l’œil from 1520 to the Present, [exhibition, Paris, Musée Marmottan Monet, October 17, 2024 – March 2, 2025], edited by Sylvie Carlier and Aurélie Gavoille, Musée Marmottan, Paris, 2024.