Portret van Peter II, koning van Portugal 1681

This print portraying Peter II, King of Portugal, was created by Nicolas de Larmessin around the late 17th century. Larmessin, a member of a dynasty of French engravers, captured the likeness of the Portuguese monarch during a period marked by political intrigue and shifting alliances in Europe. This portrait offers insights into the construction of royal identity and power during the Baroque era. Peter II, adorned in armor and regal attire, embodies the ideals of kingship, while the intricate detailing of the print reflects the opulence and grandeur associated with the Portuguese court. Yet, beneath the surface of royal portraiture lie complex narratives of succession and legitimacy. Peter II's ascent to the throne was contentious, marked by the deposition of his brother Afonso VI due to his mental instability. In the inscription below the portrait, we learn that Peter II married his brother's wife shortly after rising to power. This artwork serves as a reminder that representations of power are often intertwined with personal dramas.