Beham served Ludwig X, Duke of Bavaria, who ruled a state carved out from his elder brother’s territories. To preserve the family’s patrimony, the Duke never married, instead taking Ursula von Weichs as his consort. Beham painted the couple in these pendant – or paired – portraits that share the same space – note the green curtain linking the two works. Social conventions dictated that while he looks outward, she gazes demurely at him. Frame: painted and gilded papier-maché over wooden substructure. Austria, 19th century (?). Made for the work
