Undated (ca. 1777) Portrait Medallion of Joseph II of Austria. Possibly by Jean-Nicolas Guillarme (per Margolis’ notes). Biscuit Porcelain.

221 mm (horizontal axis). approximately 16.5 mm at the edge. 866 grams. IL VOYAGEOIT EN INCONNU MAIL SES VERTUS L'ONT FAIT CONNOÎTRE around. No date or signature. Plain self-framing border around, with ornamental integral hanger and sprays around the upper border. Once broken diagonally through the center but professionally restored so as to be minimally visible, particularly from the front. Minor cracks are noted, but seem largely superficial and unthreatening. Marked TERRE DE LORRAINE in a rectangular cartouche on the reverse, as well as JG in large cursive. The legend around translates to "He traveled unknown, but his virtues made him known." This is explained by Margolis' own notes: "…no doubt on his visit to his sister, Marie Antoinette, in France in April 1777, traveling under the nom de voyage Count Falkenstein" which he frequently did to avoid fanfare. He was recognized as a wide traveler, anonymously visiting parts of the Empire that had rarely been seen by its rulers. His 1777 visit to France generated considerable fanfare regardless of his nom de voyage, and the inscription on this medallion is thus explained. Marked on the reverse in a small, shallow rectangular cartouche, TERRE DE LORRAINE, also known as Lorraine Clay which was used extensively in French biscuit porcelain pieces like this.

From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Bonham's sale of November 1, 1995, lot 158.

Estimate: $700