Portret van Anna Paulowna Romanowa c. 1818 - 1845

This is Marinus Adrianus van Straten's portrait of Anna Paulowna Romanowa. It was made using lithography, a printmaking technique, in the Netherlands. Born a Russian Grand Duchess, Anna Paulowna became Queen of the Netherlands through marriage. The portrait presents her as both regal and approachable, reflecting the political balancing act she performed as a foreign-born queen. The jewels and elegant dress represent her status, while the soft lighting and gentle expression suggest approachability. Portraits of royalty were vital for circulating an idea of power, promoting national identity and sometimes softening the image of political figures. We can learn more about Anna Paulowna’s role by researching the history of the Dutch monarchy. We can also examine letters, diaries, and newspaper articles from the time, deepening our knowledge of the culture and institutions in which this portrait was made and circulated.