Portret van Anna van Oostenrijk 1722 - 1775

This is Georg Friedrich Schmidt's portrait of Anne of Austria, created as an engraving. Anne of Austria was a controversial figure who lived through times of immense political and social change in Europe. As Queen Consort of France, and later as Regent for her son Louis XIV, Anne navigated a court rife with intrigue, religious conflict, and power struggles. As a woman in a highly patriarchal society, her ability to wield influence was constantly challenged, yet she managed to secure the throne for her son and shape the future of France. Schmidt captures Anne as a figure of regal authority, but also perhaps hints at the personal complexities beneath the surface. The choice to portray Anne in this manner reflects a broader societal negotiation of female power and agency during this period. How did one perform the role of a Queen and mother in a world of power?