Portret van Sophia Charlotte, koningin van Pruisen 1698 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Sophia Charlotte, Queen of Prussia, made sometime between 1660 and 1711. The engraving on paper offers us a study in contrasts, carefully composed to elevate its subject. Note how Schenk uses light and shadow to create depth. Sophia Charlotte is positioned slightly off-center, drawing our eye across the image in a way that feels both natural and deliberate. The use of line is also masterful. The delicate strokes of the engraving capture the intricate details of her dress, while bolder lines define the contours of her face and body. Schenk’s portrait operates within established semiotic codes of the time. The elegant dress and serene expression communicate the Queen’s status and refinement. Yet, the artist subtly destabilizes these conventions, suggesting an inner life beyond the expected role of royalty. This tension invites us to question the boundaries of representation and the complexities of identity.