Catharina de' Medici 1620 - 1664

Editor: This print, titled "Catharina de' Medici", made by Stefano della Bella between 1620 and 1664, is a striking portrait. The etching emphasizes her imposing presence, but the details feel almost… neutral, detached. What do you see in this piece beyond a historical depiction? Curator: I see a careful construction of power and influence, visible even in this small etching. It's not just a portrait; it's a statement. Consider the inscription detailing her roles as wife and mother of kings. It reinforces the idea of female power being derived through familial connection to the monarchy, an intersectional perspective. How does this reinforce, or perhaps challenge, the role of women during this era? Editor: I hadn't thought about that specifically, but that's very insightful! It is quite telling what the artist focuses on. It seems the print attempts to root her power, perhaps even legitimize it, in relation to the male line, even though Catherine de Medici was powerful in her own right. Curator: Exactly! The Baroque period was full of complexities, but thinking about feminist theory here makes this piece really speak to that struggle for agency. Also, notice the word "habile" placed next to the depicted noblewoman. "Habile" speaks to political ability, perhaps the kind that allowed her to "balance" the Princes. The print appears like a playing card -- how does that inform what the intended viewer may have thought? Editor: The playing card aspect is really intriguing! Almost like a game of thrones, literally! Seeing this portrait in relation to her broader context helps highlight how effectively this etching communicated status and a political image. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It is these dialogues that bridge the gap between history and contemporary interpretation.