Portret van Maria de' Medici 1576 - 1614

Thomas de Leu created this portrait of Maria de' Medici around 1600 using engraving techniques. The portrait presents a highly structured composition, framed within an oval that is itself decorated with floral patterns, embodying the style of formal portraiture prevalent at the time. The intricate details—from the delicate lace of her ruff to the elaborate adornments of her dress—reveal de Leu's mastery of line and texture, lending the portrait a tactile quality. The arrangement of text around the oval, combined with the orderly lines of the engraving, reflect the period’s emphasis on order and hierarchy. Maria de' Medici is presented not just as an individual but as a symbol of power and status, carefully constructed through visual signs. The formal elements come together to create a representation of the Queen that upholds the values of the court and the importance of dynastic succession. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance, reinforcing established social and political meanings through the art of portraiture.