Portrait of Elisabeth of Bourbon, Queen of Spain 1645 - 1705

Editor: Here we have an engraving, and etching, and print—so, all three!—titled *Portrait of Elisabeth of Bourbon, Queen of Spain*. It was created sometime between 1645 and 1705. All the tiny little details of her costume are just amazing. What historical narratives do you think this portrait speaks to? Curator: Considering the portrait, it is essential to look at how power and representation intersect in Baroque portraiture. Elisabeth was not merely a queen, but a political figurehead in a patriarchal system. How do you think this image reinforces or challenges the expectations placed upon women of power during that era? Is she portrayed to elicit obedience or perhaps another message? Editor: Hmmm, interesting point. I mostly saw status through her garments and ornamentation—the jewelry, the pearl details, but, now that you mention it, she doesn't really look happy or powerful. More… reserved? Almost melancholy? Curator: Exactly. Consider how women’s roles at court were carefully curated and managed to portray power and authority. There were expected to yield alliances through dynastic succession. Portraits played a key role in establishing, justifying, and conveying influence. Consider also how much her appearance adheres to beauty standards. Does that reinforce her power or perhaps limit it, because she must adhere to gender norms in order to yield social capital? Editor: So, by conforming to a certain beauty ideal of that time, she legitimizes her position, even if she has limited agency? Curator: Precisely. The portrait becomes a site of complex negotiation of identity, status, and expectation. What do you think that says about women in positions of power then and today? Editor: I guess the need to manage appearances for acceptance isn't really new at all. Thank you; I will have to consider all of that!