Portret van Maria Ruthven 1640 - 1670

Joannes Meyssens created this portrait of Maria Ruthven using etching techniques, capturing a moment in the lives of 17th-century European nobility. Ruthven was a noblewoman of the period and wife to the artist Anthony van Dyck. In this portrait, the representation of Maria is more than a record. It reflects the conventions and expectations placed upon women of her status. The rosary she holds hints at the importance of religion in her life and perhaps a desire to convey piety, while her clothing and hairstyle are indicative of her wealth and position. Meyssens’ technique gives the print a tactile quality, drawing us into the details of Maria’s garments and jewelry. The portrait stands as a testament to the way identity was carefully constructed and communicated in the visual culture of the time. The artwork prompts us to consider the lives and identities of women who navigated the complex social and political landscape of their time.