Karel I, Henrietta Maria en Maria de' Medici in St James' Palace 1639

This engraving depicts Karel I, Henrietta Maria, and Maria de' Medici in St. James's Palace, but we don’t know exactly when it was made. Such images played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the monarchy in 17th-century England. Here, the formal arrangement of figures, the architectural setting, and the depiction of royal ceremony are all visual codes that communicate power and legitimacy. The image speaks to the social conditions of its time, specifically the intricate courtly life and the emphasis on lineage and succession, particularly poignant as it features three generations. It reflects a court that saw itself as divinely sanctioned. To understand this image fully, historians delve into period documents, court records, and personal correspondence. These resources provide insight into the social dynamics, political tensions, and cultural values that shaped its creation and reception. By doing so, we can reveal the complex interplay between art, power, and society in 17th-century England.