Maria van Bourgondië 1586 - 1587

This engraving of Maria van Bourgondië was made by Hendrick Goltzius around 1600 in the Netherlands, and we can see it today in the Rijksmuseum. The portrait is paired with a page of text, suggesting that the image was part of a book, perhaps one illustrating the history of the region. The figure of Maria is presented in a formal style, and the inclusion of a coat of arms reinforces the sitter’s noble status. Through the careful depiction of costume and heraldry, the engraving reinforces social hierarchy. As a printmaker, Goltzius occupied an interesting place in the art world. His prints were widely collected, and the institutions of the art market helped to spread his reputation. Art historians rely on books, archives, and collections to reconstruct the circumstances of the artwork's creation. This engraving is more than just a portrait, it's a window into the social structures of the time.