Austrian artist, Johann Michael Millitz, was the court painter for Empress Maria Theresa and, as such, worked extensively for the Austrian Imperial Court and was at the heart of the Habsburg monarchy.
Hailing from Vienna, Millitz trained under his predecessor Martin van Meytens (1695-1770), who was celebrated for his meticulous portraiture. He’s known for undertaking numerous commissions for noble patrons and was treasured by the Empress. In a letter penned to Archduchess Maria Christina, when travelling with Millitz, she refers to him by name.
“January 25, 1776. My dear daughter. Everything you tell me about your pleasant situation gives me real pleasure. [...]. What does Millitz say, does he enjoy some beautiful paintings, sculptures?”
A portrait of Maria Theresa, completed by Millitz, is held at the National Gallery in Budapest and depicts her as a widow.
In 1770, he completed a portrait of Marie Antoinette, presumably just after her marriage to the future King Louis XVI.
Johann Michael Millitz, Archduchess Marie Antoinette, Dauphine of France (1770)
Surrounded by the height of ostentation, Millitz was embedded into a society obsessed with etiquette, where one’s appearance was vital in communicating the proper societal status. As such, one can only imagine the pressure he was under.
He’s represented in several public collections, including at the Pitti Palace, Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungarian National Gallery, and the Croatian History Museum in Zagreb.
Public Collections
Pitti Palace, Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungarian National Gallery, Croatian History Museum in Zagreb.
Timeline
1725
Born to Jacob Millitz and Eva Clara Millitz.
1747
Enrolled at the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts where he trained under court painter Martin van Meytens.
1748
Married Maria Elisabeth Millitz (nee Von Der Linden) in Vienna.
1763
Travelled to Prague.
1770
Painted Maria Theresa 1717-1780), ruler of the Habsburg monarchy.
1770
Painted Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), Dauphine of France.
1776
Travelled with Maria Theresa’s daughter, the Archduchess Maria Christina, Duchess of Teschen (1742 -1798).
1779
Died in Vienna.