Portret van de troonpretendent Jacobus III, ca. 1720 1720 - 1767

Around 1720, Louise Magdeleine Horthemels created this engraving, portraying James III, the Jacobite claimant to the British throne. It encapsulates the tumultuous politics of succession and the power of imagery in shaping perceptions of authority. Made in France, the print engages with the complex web of European alliances and rivalries. The Stuart claim to the British throne was supported by Louis XIV, and France served as a haven for Jacobite exiles. Horthemels' print subtly promotes James III's claim, portraying him with regal bearing. The inscription, in Latin, French, and Dutch, speaks to his royal birthright, yet acknowledges the hardships of his time. The verses below the portrait evoke the whims of fortune and the shifting balance of power in Europe. Understanding this image requires delving into the political pamphlets, ballads, and prints that fueled public opinion and legitimized rival claims to power. Such resources shed light on the contingent nature of authority and the role of art in shaping historical narratives.