Penning met het portret van Diane de Poitiers 1719

This is a print made by Bernard Picart in 1733, depicting a medal portraying Diane de Poitiers. The image speaks volumes about the public role of women and the politics of imagery in early modern Europe. Diane de Poitiers was a prominent figure in the French court, known for her influence as the mistress of King Henry II. The medal, with its classical references, elevates Diane to a near-mythical status. On one side, we see her portrait, while the other shows a figure of Victory, suggesting her triumph over adversity. France, during this period, was a society deeply entrenched in social hierarchies. This image reflects those structures while simultaneously challenging them. Diane's role as a royal mistress afforded her power and influence, which was often depicted through art, architecture, and courtly rituals. To understand this print better, we need to look at sources like court records, biographies, and art historical analyses. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.