Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1711

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Maria II Stuart, created around the turn of the 18th century. The composition commands attention with its intricate detail and formal arrangement of the figure within a landscape. The portrait is dominated by Maria's regal attire, where the fabric's texture is meticulously rendered through delicate lines, contrasting with the smooth expanse of her face. The overall structure is inherently hierarchical, with Mary's towering wig and elegant posture immediately establishing her dominance over the surrounding scenery. The artist employs light and shadow to create depth and emphasize the textures of the lace and fabric. However, it’s the tension between these ornamental flourishes and Mary's firm grip on what appears to be a pistol that prompts us to explore the complexities of power. The controlled lines of the engraving serve as a semiotic system, encoding not just aesthetic beauty, but also the societal expectations and political tensions inherent to her position. Notice how the portrait is more than just a representation, it's a carefully constructed statement about authority, rendered through the formal language of art.