Portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria 

Anthony van Dyck painted this portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria in England, where he was court painter to Charles I. Van Dyck's portraits weren’t just likenesses; they were carefully constructed images designed to project power and legitimacy. Born a French princess, Henrietta Maria was viewed with suspicion in England because of her Catholic faith. Van Dyck attempts to negotiate these tensions, contrasting her foreignness with symbols of English monarchy. The crown resting on the table is presented in a way that suggests the power of the monarchy. Her pearls represent wealth and status. Yet her modest pose and gentle expression humanize her. As historians, we look to sources like letters, diaries, and political pamphlets, to examine how the queen was perceived. By studying such historical records, alongside the painting, we can better understand the complex interplay between image, identity, and power in 17th-century England.