Prince Eugene of Savoy

oil painting on metal, Jacob van Schuppen (workshop), post-1718

Hardly any personal references about Prince Eugene have come down to us that give us a glimpse behind the façade of the military leader and statesman.

Small and slender of form, Eugene had little of what we would call a “heroic” appearance. He was noticeable for a narrow face and dominant nose. His short upper lip was described as scarcely covering his prominent incisor teeth, so that he is frequently portrayed with a pursed mouth in order to hide this imperfection.