Anne d'Autriche, reine de France, en habit de deuil 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin made this print of Anne of Austria, Queen of France, in mourning dress, sometime in the mid-17th century. The image presents Anne not just as a queen, but specifically as regent, a role she undertook during the minority of her son, Louis XIV. Prints like this played a crucial role in image-making and distribution during the period. They were a way of visualizing power and disseminating it widely. The choice to depict Anne in mourning dress is significant. It speaks to the personal grief, but also to the political messaging around her role as a steady, albeit sorrowful, leader. The inscriptions surrounding her image emphasize her royal status and her position as regent. Understanding this image requires that we consider the history of the French monarchy, the role of women in power, and the visual culture of the 17th century. Researching court documents, letters, and other period images can provide greater insight into the social and institutional contexts that shaped this print.