In 1884, Princess Isabel and the Count of Eu wrote a dedication on a large portrait.
Period portrait of Princess Isabel , Count d'Eu and their three sons. Dedication in Portuguese by the hand of the Count d'Eu, signed by both, to Leonidia Vieira Braga Ribas.
Brazil, 1884 or 1885.
20 cm x 27 cm.
Excellent condition conservation, a slight mark from an old frame on the edge (5 mm), which does not harm the dedication and the photograph.
Unique piece.
To Mrs Leonidia Vieira Braga Ribas Very fond memory Gaston of Orleans & Count of Eu Isabel Countess of Eu
After returning from Europe in December 1881, the imperial couple focused on their children's education until November 1884 when they made a visit to the Southern Provinces, returning to Court in March 1885. It was at this time that this portrait of Princess Isabel , Count d'Eu and their three sons was made: Pedro de Alcântara, Prince of Grão-Pará, Luís Maria Felipe do Brasil and Antônio Gastão.
Everything is elegant, delicate and interesting in this portrait.
First, it is a large-format portrait, 27cm x 20cm, in excellent condition, taken by Alberto Henschel, who was often called upon to photograph the royal family. He was one of the most important photographers - and pioneers of photography in Brazil - who worked in the country in the second half of the 19th century.
Secondly, Princess Isabel 's attitude towards her children, especially Antônio Gastão, the youngest, is striking. One can feel the Princess's deep maternal love, which contrasts with the Prince's military modesty.
Finally, even though we do not yet know who the recipient was, the writing of the dedication and the two signatures, from the Prince and the Princess, are perfect. The couple's dedications and letters were more frequent when they were exiled in France, but autograph documents from them before 1889 are much rarer, sought after and therefore valuable.
