Portret van koningin Marie van Hannover, geboren prinses van Saksen-Altenburg 1818 - 1868

Carl Mayer created this portrait of Queen Marie of Hanover, born Princess of Saxe-Altenburg, using an unconfirmed medium during an unspecified time. Royalty and nobility were sustained by carefully constructed visual representations. Queen Marie’s portrait is an artifact of these times, a symbol of power and status, but also a glimpse into the personal life of a woman navigating the constraints of royal life in 19th-century Europe. The lithograph captures Marie’s regal bearing, her elaborate hairstyle and pearl necklace speak to the expected elegance of a queen. Yet, it’s important to consider the limitations placed on women of her position, whose identities were often subsumed by dynastic and political expectations. Consider the emotional landscape of a royal marriage, the weight of expectation, and the performance of a public role. This portrait invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between personal identity and societal roles, particularly for women in positions of power.