María Luisa of Parma (1751–1819), Queen of Spain 1800 - 1907

Editor: Here we have Goya's portrait of Maria Luisa of Parma, Queen of Spain. The painting is oil on canvas and it's dated around the turn of the 19th century. What strikes me is the Queen's expression, almost confronting, and how the light catches the details of her elaborate gown. What do you see in this piece, especially in terms of its symbolic elements? Curator: It’s fascinating how Goya uses symbols to reflect Maria Luisa's power, but also hints at the anxieties of her reign. Note the prominent placement of her hand holding a fan—historically a sign of status and control. However, here, it looks almost defensive, doesn’t it? Editor: Defensive? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Think about the cultural context. Queen Maria Luisa was often criticized, even demonized in caricatures, her image attacked constantly by her rivals. That emblem hanging from her sash…it projects authority, certainly. Yet, against the backdrop of the historical period, this feels like she's donning armor, deflecting the gaze, her face set. Can we see in the stiffness of the composition the constraints of the royal court, or the psychological toll on the queen herself? Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but a psychological study hidden beneath the regal surface. Fascinating. Curator: Exactly! The symbols whisper about power, but her bearing screams about its cost. It asks us what it meant to be visible, scrutinized, and judged as a royal figure then—and perhaps even now. Editor: I'll definitely look at other portraits of her differently now, knowing about the history and potential hidden meanings of the visual symbols. Thank you.