Franz Xaver Winterhalter - Florinda [1853]

Franz Xaver Winterhalter - Florinda [1853], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

This painting depicts an episode from the legend of Roderick, the last king of the Spanish Visigoths. After spying on his maids of honour to determine the fairest among them, the king chose Florinda (at centre left), who became the object of his love. In revenge, Florinda's father called the Arabs into Spain and brought about the conquest. This painting, which was shown at the Salon of 1853, is a replica of a version of the same size given by Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in 1852.

[Oil on canvas, 178.4 x 245.7 cm]

Franz Xaver Winterhalter - Portrait of Leonilla, Princess ofSayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn [1843]

Franz Xaver Winterhalter - Portrait of Leonilla, Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn [1843], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

In a daring pose reminiscent of harem scenes and odalisques, the Princess Leonilla of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn reclines on a low Turkish sofa on a veranda overlooking a lush tropical landscape. Only her unassailable social position made it possible for Franz Xaver Winterhalter (Menzenschwand, 1805 - Frankfurt, 1875) to use such a sensual pose for a full-length portrait in Paris in 1843. 

Known for her great beauty and intellect, the Princess is resplendent in a luxurious gown of ivory silk moiré with a pink sash around her waist. A deep purple mantle wraps around her back and falls across her smooth arms. Under carefully arched eyebrows, her heavy lidded eyes gaze languidly at the viewer while she artfully toys with the large pearls around her neck. Winterhalter contrasted sumptuous fabrics and vivid colours against creamy flesh to heighten the sensuality of the pose, the model, and the luxuriant setting.

[Oil on canvas, 56 x 83.5 inches]