Maria Theresa with Mask in a Turkish Dress, ca. 1744

Martin van Meytens (1695–1770), Maria Theresia mit Maske in einem türkischen Gewand, um 1744; Bildquelle: © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.

As archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia (1740–1780) Maria Theresa (1717–1780) was a key figure in the power politics of 18th-century Europe. She also embraced the Turkish fashion. Here, she is wearing the fashion of an upper class Ottoman lady – apparently on the occasion of a masked ball.

Martin van Meytens (1695–1770), Maria Theresa With Mask in a Turkish Dress, ca. 1744; source: © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.