Austria, Empire. A Large Oil Painting of a Holy Roman Emperor, c.1900

A large, extremely well-preserved oil on canvas painting depicting Margrave Saint Leopold III (the patron Saint of Austria). The subject is shown seated on a cloud and wearing full armour beneath an ornate mantle. His head is topped by a matching crown, and he additionally wears the neck chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Gazing toward the heavens, his left arm clutches a pole featuring an early version of the Imperial flag, with the opposite end presenting with a pointed tip, possibly emblematic of the Holy Lance. Situated in front of the Emperor is a cherubic figure holding a church, symbolizing Klosterneuburg Abbey. The painting is secured within an ornate, gilded wooden frame which cascades toward the image. The reverse shows exposed canvas, with an additional multi-piece wooden frame held in place with hand-forged metal nails. A magnetic metal loop emanates from the top edge of the frame for hanging. Unmarked, the visible portion of the image measures 62 cm (w) x 78 cm (h), while the frame measures 83 cm (w) x 98.5 cm (h) overall. Fine cracks consistent with age and storage are visible to the painting without compromising the image, and this large, striking example remains in an extremely fine condition.