Queen Elisabeth of Hungary and Bohemia 1869

Bertalan Szekely made this regal portrait of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary and Bohemia using oil paints. The artist applied the paint in layers, building up depth and texture to create a sense of realism and grandeur. But beyond the application of paint, let's consider the materials that went into the Queen's garments. The lace, embroidery, and fine fabrics speak volumes. These were all the products of skilled labor, likely involving countless hours of work by artisans. Their expertise was essential in producing the Queen's garments, yet their contributions often went unacknowledged. What does it mean to create an artwork that celebrates royalty, when it is made from the hard labor of the working class? By recognizing the labor and production involved, we can fully appreciate the complex story this artwork tells, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes art and its relationship to society.