Portret van Mary I 1546 - 1562

Frans Huys created this portrait of Mary I with an engraving technique, sometime around the mid-16th century. The image presents Mary as a figure of regal authority and piety, signified through her clothing and jewelry. The inscription in Latin suggests a carefully constructed image intended to convey power, justice, and divine favor. The making of such a portrait in the Netherlands reflects the complex political ties between the Habsburgs and England at that time. Consider how the visual codes used here would have resonated with particular audiences. Was this intended to solidify Mary’s image, or perhaps critique her reign? To better understand the political undertones, one might delve into period documents, religious pamphlets, and the inventories of royal collections. These resources could illuminate the cultural environment that shaped the portrait's creation and reception. The meaning of art lies in this interaction between the object and its world.