Queen Margaret of Spain c. 1610

Andrés López Polanco painted this oil on canvas portrait of Queen Margaret of Spain sometime in the early 17th century. The artist makes conspicuous use of imagery associated with royalty and nobility, drawing attention to the Queen's gown and jewelry. The elaborate ruff around her neck, and the placement of her hands, one holding a pair of gloves and the other resting on a chair, are common features of Spanish court portraiture. Spain's royal family, particularly under the Habsburgs, was deeply concerned with projecting an image of power, wealth, and religious devotion. Like the fashion for exaggerated, extravagant clothing, portraiture was an important tool for maintaining social hierarchy and solidifying political alliances. As art historians, we can look to sources such as letters, inventories, and other documents to understand how images like this functioned within the context of the Spanish court.