Maria Theresia van Oostenrijk 1660 - 1683

This engraving of Maria Theresa of Austria, Queen of France, was made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist. It’s a demonstration of power through symbolism. Produced in France, this formal portrait depicts Maria Theresa as a regal figure. Note the ermine cloak, an obvious marker of royalty. In the background is a fountain with a statue spouting water; water features were the height of fashion and associated with wealth. Maria Theresa's jewels also speak to her status and privilege. This image would have been commissioned to circulate amongst the elites and perhaps reproduced in printed form to be distributed to a wider audience. How the image was received is shaped by the complex social and political dynamics of the time. Court portraits played a crucial role in shaping public perception and solidifying power. Art historians often use primary sources such as letters, diaries, and official documents to better understand these intricacies. By studying the original context, we see how art actively shaped historical events.