Studies voor het portret van koningin Emma als weduwe 1871 - 1906

Here are Pieter de Josselin de Jong's 'Studies for the portrait of Queen Emma as a widow'. These sketches are pencil on gray paper and can be found at the Rijksmuseum. These studies of Queen Emma offer a window into the intricate performance of royal widowhood in the late 19th century. Emma, who was known for her compassion, found herself navigating public expectations and personal grief, especially in the absence of male leadership in the country. De Josselin de Jong's approach here seems to be questioning traditional portrayals of royalty. Instead of grandiosity, we see a more intimate depiction of Emma in mourning. The sketches give us a sense of Emma’s solitude and introspection. The subdued tones and tentative lines seem to capture not just her likeness, but her emotional state during this significant period of her life. These studies reflect the societal expectations placed on women, particularly those in positions of power, to embody certain virtues and to perform roles that often obscured their personal experiences.