Portret van Marie von Sachsen-Altenburg te paard 1851 - 1858

Johann Leonhard Appold created this print, "Portret van Marie von Sachsen-Altenburg te paard," capturing the likeness of Marie von Sachsen-Altenburg on horseback. The portrait offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of gender, class, and power in 19th-century European society. Marie, a member of the high aristocracy, is depicted in a manner that both celebrates and contains her status, with equestrian portraits like this traditionally associated with male power and authority. By presenting Marie in this way, the print engages with prevailing gender norms. Her poise and attire speak to the expectations placed upon women of her rank, while her act of riding a horse—a symbol of control and freedom—suggests a negotiation of these constraints. It invites us to consider the multifaceted ways in which women like Marie navigated their identities within the confines of their time.