August Riedel

This work, created in Rome in 1870, depicts an idealised representation of an infant as an angel in the clouds. Such imagery was widespread in the 19th century in Catholic-influenced regions and is associated with the memorial practice of depicting children who died young in a religiously elevated form as ‘angels’. Given the date and place of origin, it is reasonable to assume that the child depicted is Maria Christina Pia of Bourbon-Sicily (24 December 1869 – 28 March 1870). She was the daughter of Marie Sophie, Duchess of Bavaria, and Francis II of Bourbon-Sicily, who were living in exile in Rome following the loss of their kingdom. The royal couple’s marriage had not been consummated for some time, due to a health condition affecting the King, which was only treated surgically later on. Subsequently, their marital relationship stabilised, culminating in the birth of their daughter in December 1869. However, the child died just a few months later in Rome.