Verheerlijking van Maria Theresia, 1744 1744

Frans Pilsen made this print in 1744, titled "Verheerlijking van Maria Theresia," or "Glorification of Maria Theresa." The image is a celebration of Maria Theresa's reign, likely commissioned to enhance her public image. Made in the Austrian Netherlands, now Belgium, this piece reflects the political climate of the time, emphasizing loyalty to the Habsburg monarchy. The iconography is rich with symbols of power and divine right, such as angels and a lion bearing a crest of a lion rampant. These allude to Maria Theresa’s authority. Note the figures presenting her with gifts and homage. They illustrate the social hierarchies and the expectation of tribute to the ruling class. Understanding such historical artworks requires looking into the complex relationships between artists, patrons, and the social context in which they operated. Through archival research and careful study of the symbols used, we can decode the political and cultural messages embedded within.