Portret van Maria II Stuart c. 1677 - 1708

This is Michiel Gillig’s etched portrait of Maria II Stuart. Born into royalty, Mary ascended the throne of England, Scotland, and Ireland during a time of significant political and religious tension in the late 17th century. Gillig’s depiction adheres to the conventions of royal portraiture, emphasizing Mary’s status through the fine details of her dress and elaborate hairstyle. Yet, the relatively small scale of the print, combined with the soft, delicate lines of the etching, creates a sense of intimacy, inviting viewers into her personal sphere. Consider the weight of expectation placed on Mary as a female ruler in a patriarchal society. This image, while seemingly traditional, also hints at the complexities of her position and the challenges she faced navigating the intersection of gender, power, and politics. The act of portraying a female monarch opens a dialogue about women in positions of power.