Margaret of Austria on Horseback 1612

Raffaello Schiaminossi created this print of Margaret of Austria sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The print gives us a glimpse into the intricate dance between power, gender, and representation during this period. Margaret of Austria, an important political figure, is depicted here not just as a noble, but as a ruler on horseback, a symbol traditionally reserved for men. This choice challenges the strict gender norms of the time, suggesting a negotiation of female authority in a male-dominated world. The procession, filled with figures who seem to gaze both at and away from Margaret, highlights the performance of power and the scrutiny it invites. Schiaminossi, active in a time of significant social change, captures the nuances of identity and authority. This print reflects both the conventions of portraiture and the emerging possibilities for female figures in the public sphere. It speaks to the complexities of visibility, and the delicate balance between conforming to and challenging social expectations.