Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1709

This is Jacob Gole’s portrait of Mary II Stuart, made with etching and engraving. The composition centers on Mary, framed by a lavishly draped curtain and an ornate chair bearing a heraldic lion. The stark contrasts accentuate the textures of her fur-trimmed gown and the crown resting atop her meticulously curled hair, lending the piece a palpable sense of depth. Here, the interplay of light and shadow serves to emphasize the regalia and ornamentation which become signs of power and status. The very structure of the portrait reinforces traditional hierarchies, yet, through Gole’s detailed treatment, it invites closer inspection of the codes through which authority is communicated. Consider the texture of the ermine, the reflective sheen of the gown, or the intricate details of the crown. These are not mere decorative elements, but active participants in constructing a visual language of monarchy. The work invites us to contemplate how such crafted images shape cultural perceptions and historical narratives.