Maria Theresia 

Editor: Here we have Josef Kriehuber's "Maria Theresia," rendered in watercolor, though the date is not available. It’s quite an imposing portrait. The detail in her dress is amazing. What are your first impressions? Curator: Oh, the rococo finery just shouts! This isn’t just a portrait, it's a statement. A power-pose. Kriehuber's managed to capture Maria Theresa's formidable presence, wouldn't you agree? But it’s also more intimate than a grand oil painting. Editor: Intimate how? Curator: The watercolor gives it a lightness, a fleeting quality. It's like a memory, almost. Maria Theresa was a pragmatic ruler, a real political animal in a powdered wig, but here, she’s…almost vulnerable. She appears so serious yet so graceful at the same time. What a contradiction. Do you get a sense of the historical context just by looking? Editor: Absolutely, all the frills and embellishments point to a different time. It's interesting to consider that behind this facade of wealth and status was, as you say, a very skilled politician. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. This makes me wonder about all the personas people still take on even today. It may be worthwhile reflecting on the real stories underneath what one is shown!