Art Collections Online
Prince Eugene Alexander of Thurn and Taxis (1652-1714)
LEERMANS, Pieter (fl.1649 - 1706)
Date: 1682
Media: oil on copper
Size: 30.0 x 22.3 cm
Acquired: 1950; Gift; Mary Collin
Accession Number: NMW A 37
The modern-day term taxi comes from the name of one of the richest families in Europe, the Thurn and Taxis. This family made a fortune organizing the transport of mail in the Holy Roman Empire. Eugene Alexander elevated the family’s status enormously. He became Prince of the Empire, married into a German ruling family, and was awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece, which he wears here. A pupil of Gerard Dou, Leermans followed his meticulous manner, here painting on copper to achieve a finer finish.
This work is currently on display:
Gallery 3
National Museum Cardiff, level 4
Stairs up
Stairs down
Lift
Leave a comment