Portret van Anna van Hannover 1788

This is Reinier Vinkeles's portrait of Anna van Hannover, made with etching around 1788, and now held at the Rijksmuseum. Dominating the composition is the central framed portrait of Anna, its square shape sharply contrasting with the flowing drapery on its right and the organic olive branch to its left. The textured details, achieved through fine lines, define the patterns of the frame, the heavy folds of the drapery, and Anna’s elaborate hairstyle. The etching technique gives the piece a monochromatic palette, where tonal variations create depth and volume. This structured approach may reflect the Enlightenment’s emphasis on order and reason, mirroring a semiotic system where each element signifies a clear concept. The portrait's formal construction reinforces the subject's status through composition and symbolic elements. The gaze of Anna and the objects below offer a statement about power and identity in the late 18th century.