Portret van Hedwig Eleonora, koningin van Zweden 1633 - 1673

Curator: Oh, what a find! Before us, we have "Portret van Hedwig Eleonora, koningin van Zweden," or Portrait of Hedwig Eleonora, Queen of Sweden. It was rendered sometime between 1633 and 1673 and attributed to Coenraet Waumans. It now resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: You know, the immediate sense I get is one of understated power, or perhaps, weary obligation. The line work gives it an aged feel. Look how delicate the crown appears almost swallowed by her curls! Curator: Exactly! Waumans captures her essence without overdoing it. Consider the composition within that oval frame – the cascading drapery behind her emphasizes her regal posture and perfectly frames her fur stole. Do you think the contrast in textures adds anything to it? Editor: Absolutely, the contrast amplifies the texture. Those intricate curls against the smooth fur create this delightful visual interest! Plus, the formal inscription below, anchoring the portrait to the identity of Hedwig Eleonora and her royal status, completes the visual narrative of queenship, no? Curator: No doubt, no doubt! You can even trace a parallel between that inscription and the semiotic language inherent in royal portraiture, but I would add it speaks to more than status. Her gaze suggests depth and thoughtfulness beyond just holding the title of Queen of Sweden. A vulnerability, perhaps? Editor: I find the gaze captivating; there's a directness, challenging the viewer. Is this meant to simply immortalize her, or is she asking us something? Beyond Waumans’ technical ability, the questions is...did he capture her *true* likeness or his perceived likeness? Curator: Oh, I don't know about a "true likeness"—maybe it is our likeness that looks back. Food for thought as we consider portraiture and representation more broadly, no? Editor: Indeed. Let’s hold that image as we carry on to the next work!