Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1749

This is an engraving of Queen Mary II of England, an anonymous work now held at the Rijksmuseum. The composition is structured around a central oval containing the Queen's portrait, set against a horizontally lined background that creates a subtle visual tension. The artist employs hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture, from the intricate curls of Mary’s hair to the regal fur trim. The linear precision used in the crown, the pearl jewelry, and the Queen's dress is contrasted with the softer rendering of her face, creating a focal point that draws the eye. Semiotically, the portrait operates within a rigid framework of royal representation. The symbols of power—crown, jewelry, and clothing—are rendered with meticulous detail, reinforcing the sitter’s status. Yet, the artist's engagement with the medium and the inherent limitations of the engraving process introduce subtle distortions. These formal qualities do not merely depict the Queen, but also negotiate the cultural codes of power, representation, and artistic expression.