Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1749

This is an engraving of Mary II Stuart, made by an anonymous artist. Mary was a woman born into the English aristocracy at a time of political instability and religious conflict. She was raised a Protestant and married William of Orange, becoming queen regnant of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1689. Here, Mary is depicted as a figure of power and authority, adorned with royal symbols such as a crown, scepter and ermine cloak. Yet, the delicate lines of the engraving also capture her humanity. The artwork reflects the prevailing social and cultural norms of the time, where gender roles were strictly defined and women were expected to be subservient to men. However, Mary challenged these norms by co-ruling with her husband, William. She demonstrated political acumen, which was unusual for women in positions of power in that era. The artwork serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity, historical context, and cultural expectations, inviting us to consider how these factors shape our understanding of power, gender, and representation.