THE PORTRAIT OF MARGHERITA

Queen Margherita’s passion for the mountains, and in particular for the Lys Valley, is well known. This passion was shared with her son Victor Emmanuel III, who was to sell the castle after her death. The furniture was in part moved to Sarre, in part sold, and only very few pieces remain at Savoy Castle. Nevertheless, the charm of the abode built for the sovereign’s summer vacations remains intact; an expression of this ambience is the portrait depicting her wearing the traditional clothes of the area and a hat on her head, a faithful copy of which is on display here. An informal image far from the refined, grandiose nature of official portraits, reminding us of how Margherita loved to be in the company of others and take part in excursions.