Portretten van Eleonora van Mantua en Anna van Oostenrijk, beiden als herderin 1640

Crispijn van de Passe II created these portraits of Eleonora van Mantua and Anna van Oostenrijk as shepherdesses. During the 17th century, aristocratic women were often portrayed in pastoral settings, a tradition that romanticized rural life while reinforcing social hierarchies. Here, both women are styled as idealized shepherdesses, yet their noble status is visible through their regal attire. Eleonora holds a scepter, symbolizing her power, while Anna’s dress is embroidered with fleur-de-lis, associating her with the French monarchy. These symbols of power contrast sharply with the simplicity associated with pastoral life, creating a tension that reflects the complex identities of these women. The artist uses conventional images to situate them within both their social standing and the broader cultural themes of the time. These portraits prompt us to think about the emotional and personal dimensions of visibility and representation, and about the nuanced ways that identity is constructed and perceived.