Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1709

This print of Mary II Stuart was made by Jan Verkolje I, a Dutch artist, in the late 17th century using the mezzotint technique. The portrait presents Mary as a powerful monarch, surrounded by symbols of her status: the crown, the opulent fabric of her dress, and the suggestion of a grand estate in the background. But images of royalty such as this one were more than just straightforward records. They played an important role in shaping public perceptions of the monarchy. The Dutch Republic, where Verkolje worked, had a complex relationship with royalty, having only recently gained independence from Spanish rule. Through visual codes and cultural references, artists could subtly comment on the nature of power and the role of the monarchy in society. By studying the patronage, the artistic techniques, and the broader historical context, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, power, and society in the 17th century.