Austrian School (Fourth Quarter 18th Century), "Portrait of Count Georg Sigmund Christoph von Thurheim, Wearing the Cross of the Royal Order of St. George, Bavaria", oil on canvas, unsigned, old calligraphic inscription en verso canvas with sitter's name and history, 32" x 25-1/4". Framed.The Royal Military Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Faith and the Immaculate Conception, motto In Fide Justitia et Fortitudine (in faith, justice, and fortitude), was founded in 1726 by Maximillian II, Elector of Bavaria to honor the civic or military accomplishments of members of the nobility. In this portrait the elaborate gold chain from which the Order's insignia is suspended reveals that von Thurheim's was a member of the highest ranks of the Order (Grand Master, Grand Prior or Grand Commander).