Portret van Maria de' Medici 1644 - 1650

This is Pieter van Sompel's engraving of Maria de' Medici. Though undated, it was likely made in the Dutch Republic sometime in the first half of the 17th century. Medici was Queen consort of France as the second wife of King Henry IV, and later Regent of France for her son, King Louis XIII. This engraving is far from a straightforward likeness. The floral arrangements, the Latin inscription at the bottom, and the cherubic figures are all visual cues designed to convey Medici's power and status. The print was not just a portrait but also a tool of statecraft, designed to shore up Medici's authority. Historical sources like letters and diplomatic records can shed light on the political context surrounding the image's production. By considering the social and institutional forces at play, we can better understand the true meaning of this royal portrait.