Portret van Maria de Medici als Minerva 1708

Jean-Baptiste Massé made this print of Maria de Medici as Minerva in France. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, was a popular symbol in 17th and 18th century Europe. Royal and aristocratic families would often commission portraits of themselves as mythological figures to enhance their status and project an image of power. Here, Maria de Medici, Queen consort of France, is represented as a strong and intelligent leader through the symbols associated with Minerva, such as her helmet, spear, and the presence of military objects like cannons and armor. The fleur-de-lis at the top, a stylized lily, is a well-known emblem of the French monarchy, and connects the figure of Maria de Medici back to the French royal line. To understand this print more fully, we need to delve into the history of the French monarchy, the role of women in power, and the symbolic language used in art of the period. Further research into the patronage system and the social function of portraiture will reveal a richer understanding of its cultural significance.