Mary II Stuart, koningin van Engeland en Schotland c. 1735 - 1737

This is John Michael Rysbrack's marble bust of Mary II Stuart, Queen of England and Scotland. The sculpture presents a study in contrasts through its manipulation of texture and form. The Queen's serene face, carved with smooth, flowing lines, is framed by the wild, almost chaotic curls of her hair. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, drawing our eyes between her calm expression and the dynamic energy of the surrounding curls. Below, the soft fur draped over her shoulders adds another layer of textural contrast against the crisp, geometric lace trimming her dress. Rysbrack uses these visual elements to reflect Mary's complex role as a powerful monarch who projected both strength and grace. The sculpture doesn't just represent her likeness, but also engages with the semiotics of power and femininity. The very materiality of the marble—cool, solid, and enduring—speaks to the lasting legacy of queenship, inviting ongoing contemplation about power and representation.