Portret van Johanna van Habsburg 1569

This is Niccolo Nelli's portrait of Johanna van Habsburg, an engraving currently held at the Rijksmuseum. As a member of the Habsburg dynasty, Johanna's life was largely defined by marriage and motherhood. She married Prince João Manuel of Portugal to strengthen ties between the two royal houses. Nelli’s engraving reflects the rigid structure of royal portraiture. Encased in an ornate frame, Johanna's likeness is one of cool composure and regal bearing. As a princess, her image was deployed to ensure the continuity of royal bloodlines and project an image of power. The very act of creating her portrait was a political endeavor, reflecting her position in society, while also reinforcing expectations of beauty and decorum. But what happens when we consider this image beyond the confines of statecraft? What kind of emotions or personal experiences might lie behind her carefully constructed facade? Despite its conventional form, the portrait offers a glimpse into the life of a woman navigating the complexities of family, duty, and power.