Pair of Trompe l’œil Panels Portraits of Empress Marie-Louise, Italie 1850

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 19? in – Length 25? in.
Framed: Height 24 in - Length 30 in.

Provenance:
Private Italian collection.

Condition:
Excellent 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.