Portret van Maria II Stuart 1677 - 1693

This is an anonymous portrait of Maria II Stuart, made with engraving. Notice her hands: they cradle a basket of fruit. This motif harkens back to classical antiquity, specifically Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, orchards, and gardens. The fruit is not merely decorative; it’s a symbol of prosperity, divine favor, and perhaps, a subtle nod to the hoped-for fertility of the princess. Yet, consider how the depiction of fruit has evolved. From the cornucopia of ancient goddesses to the Vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, where fruit symbolized transience and mortality. The cultural memory embedded in these symbols shifts, reflecting societal anxieties and aspirations. This image subtly blends the classical ideal of abundance with a more personal, perhaps even psychological, desire for progeny and continuity. It’s a potent image, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.