Trompe l'Oeil: Prints with Maria Teresa, Using Original Copperplates

Milanese 18th Century and Michelangelo Mercoli

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a portrait of Maria Teresa in an oval frame. She is facing slightly to the left with her gaze towards the viewer. Maria Teresa's features include defined eyes and a small mouth, with an elaborate hairstyle typical of her time. She wears a dress with a ruffled collar and a brooch at her neck. The frame surrounding her portrait is decorated with intricate floral patterns. Two smaller figures are on each side of her portrait. On the left, a figure is carrying a basket of grapes and holding a bunch of grapes aloft. On the right, another figure is dancing with their knee raised and holding a bunch of grapes. Both figures wear classical style garments. The background features a richly patterned and embroidered design with floral motifs and curling fronds.