Mary (1505–1558), Queen of Hungary 1520 - 1559

Painted in the 16th century by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, this portrait of Mary, Queen of Hungary, relies on the traditional medium of oil paint on panel. The artist uses thin layers of pigment to create a smooth surface, allowing light to reflect and give the image a sense of depth. Consider, however, the sourcing of the materials. The pigments, ground from minerals and plants, required global trade networks, and the artist's skill depended on a long apprenticeship. The panel itself would have been prepared by other specialized craftspeople. Vermeyen's technique is meticulous, building up the image through careful observation and delicate brushwork, indicative of considerable labor and a well-established workshop. The very act of painting, especially for royal patronage, highlights the social hierarchy of the time. It elevates the sitter, but also depends on the labor of many to create the image. In the end, this portrait, like all works of art, reflects a complex web of material, making, and social power.