Large fine 18th century portrait of the mother of Catherine the Great of Russia, Johanna-Elizabeth, Electress of Anhalt-Zerbst (1712-1760). Johanna Elisabeth was a princess of the House of Holstein-Gottorp and later the Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst. In 1747 she was widowed and made regent of Anhalt-Zerbst and later permanently resided in Paris.This royal subject has been depicted in sumptuous attire. The expensive silk dress is abundantly decorated with lace and the overall light touch shows the Roccoco style. The sitter is also adorned with a bow, a huge diamond brooch, and a posy of yellow, blue and red flowers tucked into the bodice. The red sash is prominently displayed as are the two insignias and the rich red ermine trimmed cloak falls down the sitters back and wraps around to the sitter’s front. The colours are bold and the artist has shown particular technical skill depicting the lace which is beautiful and delicate and painted with a strong impasto touch. This is i...