Portret van Louise Marie van Orléans 1832

Erin Corr created this portrait of Louise Marie van Orléans, the first Queen of the Belgians, during a period of significant social and political upheaval. Corr's portrait of Louise Marie serves as a window into the complex negotiations of power, gender, and identity within the European aristocracy. As a woman of royal lineage, Louise Marie’s life was predetermined by duty. While she was expected to embody virtue and devotion to her family and country, Louise Marie distinguished herself during the Belgian revolution by acting as a mediator between her father and her husband. Corr’s portrait captures Louise Marie’s composure. The trappings of royalty are present: her refined dress, necklace, the ornate chair, and heavy curtain behind her. But her gaze, though steady, hints at the personal sacrifices that come with her position. The portrait subtly acknowledges the burdens and expectations placed upon women in positions of power, inviting us to reflect on the personal dimensions of public life.