Portrait of Queen Mariana de Austria as a Widow 1669

"Portrait of Queen Mariana de Austria as a Widow" (1669) by Juan Carreno de Miranda, depicts the Queen in a somber yet dignified pose, clad in the widow's traditional black dress and white veil. The Queen is seated in a chair, with a book and quill pen resting on a table beside her, suggesting her intellectual pursuits. The artwork captures the Queen's composed countenance, reflective of her status and role as regent of Spain during her son's minority. This portrait is a prime example of Spanish Baroque portraiture, known for its detailed realism and use of chiaroscuro, highlighting the Queen's regal presence.