Portret van Catharina van Braganza, koningin van Engeland c. 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this print of Catharina van Braganza, Queen of England. This portrait invites us to consider the complexities of identity and power in the 17th century. As a Portuguese woman marrying into the English monarchy, Catharina's position was one of both privilege and constraint. Her image, carefully crafted and disseminated, reflects the expectations placed upon her as a royal figurehead. The details of her attire, from the pearls to the elaborate lace, speak to her status, yet they also hint at the ways in which her body was a site of political negotiation. This image prompts us to reflect on how women, particularly those in positions of power, have historically navigated the intersections of gender, race, and class. It reminds us of the personal stories embedded within broader historical narratives.