Vignet met de benoeming van Maria van Hongarije tot landvoogdes van de Nederlanden 1733

Jan Wandelaar created this undated vignette with the appointment of Maria of Hungary as Governor of the Netherlands. The composition is structured within an ornate, decorative frame, presenting a scene teeming with allegorical figures, each meticulously detailed. Wandelaar employs a classical style, using line and form to convey a sense of ceremonial importance and divine endorsement. Angels announce her appointment, hovering above, while figures representing virtues and territories gather below, bestowing symbols of power. Note how the artist uses a semiotic language of images: Maria is portrayed with emblems of authority, and the scene includes symbolic animals, such as the lion, underscoring the gravity and legitimacy of her governance. This artwork, rich in detail, goes beyond mere decoration. It serves as a visual declaration of power, employing classical symbols to reinforce the authority and perceived benevolence of Maria of Hungary. The piece invites us to reflect on how power is constructed and communicated through art.