Portret van Maria Henrietta Stuart 1840 - 1884

Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben rendered this portrait of Maria Henrietta Stuart in ink around the mid-19th century. Beneath her likeness, you'll see a heraldic shield, flanked by the English lion and the Scottish unicorn – symbols of British royalty, emblems that speak of power and lineage. Consider the unicorn. Ancient lore tells us its horn could purify water and heal the sick, yet here, it is tamed, harnessed to the service of the crown. Similarly, in medieval tapestries, the unicorn is often depicted within a walled garden, a symbol of both purity and captivity. This duality echoes through history, a recurring motif of untamed power brought to heel, a potent image that resonates even today. The symbols we see here engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, acting as an emotional force that shapes our understanding of history and identity. This recurring struggle between freedom and constraint continues its non-linear progression, resurfacing and evolving across cultures and time.