Portret van Magdalena Augusta van Anhalt-Zerbst, hertogin van Saksen-Gotha 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk created this print of Magdalena Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst, Duchess of Saxen-Gotha. It offers a glimpse into the lives of European nobility during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period defined by dynastic politics, and the consolidation of power through strategic marriages. Magdalena Augusta's portrayal is a study in power, femininity, and the performance of identity expected of women of her status. Her elaborate gown, fur-lined robe, and towering crown signal her noble rank and material wealth. The inclusion of her husband’s portrait underscores the patriarchal structures of the time, where a woman’s identity was often defined by her relationship to a man. Yet, the image also hints at Magdalena Augusta's individual agency. Her direct gaze challenges the viewer, asserting her presence and self-awareness in a world that often sought to diminish women's voices. What does it mean to try to capture a sense of self within the confines of societal expectation?