Dronning Juliane Marie 1733 - 1759

Editor: Here we have Christopher Foltmar’s “Dronning Juliane Marie,” created sometime between 1733 and 1759. It's a miniature painting done with watercolor on ivory, framed exquisitely. The scale gives it an intimate feel; it almost feels like a secret. What's your take on this work? Curator: This piece invites us to consider the complexities of representing power, gender, and privilege within the context of 18th-century Denmark. Looking at Juliane Marie, how do you perceive the role of portraiture in constructing her identity as Queen? Is this a neutral depiction, or does it serve a specific ideological purpose? Editor: Well, the jewels framing her, the delicate rendering, it all speaks to wealth and status, but I am curious about her expression… Curator: Exactly! While the Rococo style and materials signify luxury, let’s think critically about how the artist, Foltmar, portrays Juliane Marie, not just as a queen, but as a woman navigating a patriarchal society. How might we read her expression – the slightly closed lips and seemingly self-assured gaze - in light of the social constraints placed on royal women? Editor: I hadn't really thought about it that way – about how women's self-expression might have been affected in those settings. Curator: And think about the very act of creating a miniature portrait. Who was this intimacy intended for? The scale invites a private contemplation, perhaps amongst a small, elite circle. The portrait acts not only as representation but also as a conduit of power, subtly shaping perceptions within the court and beyond. Do you see any hints of challenge or negotiation in this image? Editor: Looking closer, yes, the slightly raised eyebrow and knowing glance give a sense of defiance. Curator: Precisely! The way identity, gender, and politics can be intertwined in such subtle details. Editor: It makes me see so much more than just a pretty face in a pretty frame. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s always about questioning the narratives and the power structures they reinforce.