Maria de' Medici en Karel I bij de Guildhall 1639

This engraving shows Maria de' Medici and Charles I at the Guildhall and was likely made to commemorate their meeting. The image creates meaning through its depiction of a formal procession, hinting at the power and status of both figures. Made in either France or England, this print reflects the elaborate court culture of the early 17th century. The detailed depiction of the royal carriages, the architecture of the Guildhall, and the ranks of courtiers, all reinforce a rigid social hierarchy. The print would have served as a form of political propaganda, emphasizing the importance of dynastic alliances and royal authority. The occasion would have been politically important for both courts. To understand this image better, we might consult primary sources such as letters, diaries, and state papers that could shed light on the political and social dynamics of the period. Art history reminds us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its historical context.