The mystery of the famous "Chocolate machines" Lyotard: The Story of Cinderella or predatory hunter prince title?

• The mystery of the famous "Chocolate" Lyotard: The Story of Cinderella or predatory hunter prince title?

Swiss artist Jean-Etienne Liotard is considered one of the most enigmatic artists of the XVIII century. Legends about his travels and adventures to have survived no less than fascinating stories about his paintings. The most famous work of Lyotard, of course, is "Chocolate." With this picture is related an interesting legend: according to contemporaries of the artist, here he portrayed a waitress zhenivshuyu to a prince, whom she had once served in the cafe chocolate. But the character and moral qualities of that person remained very contradictory evidence ...

Jean-Etienne Liotard. Self (Liotar Laughing) 1770. Fragment

The painting Lyotard's "Chocolate", we see a modest girl, humbly downcast eyes, probably in front of the visitor coffee, which she hastens to apply hot chocolate. According to one version, which has long been accepted, the artist depicted in this picture Anna Baltauf, well-mannered representative of impoverished noble family. One day in 1745, Prince Dietrichstein, the Austrian aristocrat, a descendant of an ancient family of the rich went to the Viennese coffeehouse to try newfangled chocolate drink. He was so captivated by the modest charm of a cute girl that he had decided to marry her in spite of his family's protests.

Jean-Etienne Liotard. Chocolate, 1745

Wanting to present his bride unusual gift, Prince allegedly ordered her portrait of the artist Lyotard. However, it was an unusual portrait - Prince asked to portray the girl in that manner in which he met her and fell in love at first sight. According to another version, the artist depicted in the picture maid Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, struck him with their beauty.

Jean-Etienne Liotard. Self-portraits in 1768 and 1773.

Skeptics argue that in fact it was far less romantic than a beautiful legend. Even Anna was not Anna, but simpleton Nandl Baltauf, does not come from a noble family, and from an ordinary family - her ancestors were servants, and women have gained good things of life that often proves to be particularly services in the manor beds. It is to such a fate prepared the girl and her mother insists that her daughter the other way does not make no money, no happiness.

Jean-Etienne Liotard. Lady with chocolate. Fragment

According to this version, the prince saw the girl for the first time not in the cafe, and served in the house of someone from acquaintances. Nandl often tried to cross his path and was trying to draw attention to themselves. The plan succeeded, and the smartest servant soon became the mistress of an aristocrat. However, it did not suit the role of "a", and it has ensured that the prince began to present it to your guests and stopped to meet with other lovers.

* Chocolate * Lyotard in the Dresden Gallery

And soon the light was shocked by the news: Dietrichstein prince marries a maid! He really ordered Lyotard portrait of the bride, and when he spoke about his beloved, the artist said: "These women always get what they want. And when it will achieve, will have nowhere to run to you. " The prince was surprised and asked what Lyotard is referring to, and he said: "Everything has its time. There will come a moment when you yourself understand this. I'm afraid, however, that it will be too late. " But, apparently, the prince still did not realized until the end of days, he lived with his chosen and died, bequeathing her his entire fortune. No woman no longer able to approach him. And the woman in his later years was able to achieve honor and recognition in the world.

* Chocolate * - one of the most publicized works of the XVIII century

Since 1765 "Chocolate" is in the Dresden Gallery, and during the Second World War, the Nazis have taken the picture, along with other exhibits gallery in Königstein Castle over the Elbe, where the collection was later discovered by Soviet troops. By what miracle precious collection there it remained, despite the cold and damp basements - critics are surprised so far.

One of the US's oldest brands

The identity of the model in the portrait is still not exactly identified, but "Chocolate" Lyotard like charms everyone who comes to the Dresden gallery, and is considered one of the best of its masterpieces. It is noteworthy that the "Chocolate" has become one of the first brands in the history of marketing. It now uses as a logo coffee house chain.