Mathilde Therese, (1773-1839) daughter of Charles II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strrelitz, marrried, in 1789, Carl Alexander, Furst von Thurn und Taxis. Artistic and well-read, with her sister Queen Luise of Prussia, she was enthusiastically involved in the politics of the day, staunchly defending the interests of the House of Thurn und Taxis at the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

Set within a gilt metal mount, inscribed on the backing card, Therese/ Gemählin des Fürsten Karl/ Alexander v. Thurn u. Taxis/ Tochter des Herzogs Karl II/ von Mecklenburg-Strelitz/ Schwester der Königin Luise/ geb.d.5.April 1773/ vermählt d.25.Mai 1789/ d.12.Febr.1839.

2 ½ inches (6.4 cm) high.

Franz Gerhard von Kuegelgen (1772-1820) studied with Zick and Fesel before the Elector of   Cologne sponsored a four year trip to Italy. Arriving in St. Petersburg, Kuegelgen had instant success with the Court; Czar Alexander I was a sitter. He was elected to the Academy of St. Petersburg in 1804. On his return to Germany, Kuegelgen settled and worked in Dresden, where today his home is a museum.  Kugelgen's patrons included Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Princess Alexandrine of Prussia, Queen Louise of Prussia, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.  For more information on this important artist see: von Hellermann, Gerhard von Kugelgen (1772-1820): Das Zeichnerische und Malerishe Werk.

 Provenance:   The Albion Collection, London.
                              Albion Collection Sale, Bonhams London, 24 April 2004, lot 149.

 Exhibited:        Holburn Museum, Bath, Secret Passion to Noble Fashion, 21 April - 18 July 1999.
                               Phillips Auctioneers, Edinburgh, Secret Passion to Noble Fashion,
                                                              16 August to 3 September, 1999.
                               Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, The Albion Loan Collection
                                                               until December, 2003.

Literature:         Sumner & Walker, Secret Passion to Noble Fashion, Bath, 1999, no. 83.