Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this print of Maria II Stuart, sometime between 1660 and 1737. Here, Maria II is styled as Queen of England, and we are invited to consider the role and responsibilities of royalty. The print offers a glimpse into the complex tapestry of 17th-century court life, revealing the interwoven threads of gender, race, and class. Note the figure of the young boy in the lower right corner. His presence is a potent reminder of the historical context of colonialism and servitude. He is dressed in elaborate garb, a signifier of his status as an exoticized 'Other' within the European court. The text beneath the image suggests that, though she is depicted without her crown, she does not forget her duties to her people. Consider how the emotional weight of leadership is shaped by the social structures of the time. This image invites us to reflect on the personal and political dimensions of power.