Portret van koningin Emma 1879 - 1890

This is a lithograph portrait of Queen Emma of the Netherlands, made by C. Hautrive, likely during her reign from 1879 to 1890. During this time, royal portraits served to reinforce power structures and communicate specific ideals about leadership and national identity. This image, with its oval frame, gives the portrait a sense of formality. Yet, Emma’s relatively simple attire softens her image. The portrait avoids overt displays of wealth or power, aligning her more closely with the public. As a female ruler in a patriarchal society, Emma had to carefully navigate gendered expectations, performing traditional femininity while exercising political authority. This portrait gives an insight into how the Queen projected her image to her subjects. The artist, through his choices, plays a part in the construction of a royal persona. Hautrive acknowledges, and reflects the complexities of Emma's position as a woman in power.