Portret van Christina, koningin van Zweden 1626 - 1666

Philip Fruytiers made this engraving of Christina, Queen of Sweden. Images like this were vital tools in shaping the public perception and the political power of leaders during the 17th century. Made in the Netherlands, this portrait combines classical and religious symbolism, reflecting Christina’s complex identity. Note the laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and wisdom. The chalice refers to her eventual conversion to Catholicism, a controversial move that led to her abdication. The phrases "Gloria" and "Pacem" highlight key virtues associated with her reign, but the context is key. Christina’s Sweden was a major player in the Thirty Years' War, so peace was a pressing issue. To understand this image fully, we can draw on period documents and the history of the print as a medium. Art history reminds us that the meaning of art is always tied to its time.