Portret van Maria II Stuart 1688 - 1718

Jan Griffier the Elder created this portrait of Maria II Stuart using an etching technique. During the late 17th century, the representation of female monarchs carried significant weight, often balancing assertions of power with prevailing ideals of femininity. Here, Mary is adorned in royal regalia, yet the soft rendering and oval frame lend an air of approachability. We might consider the role of women in governance at the time, and how portraits like this one served to mediate between the personal and the political. Mary's own experiences as a female ruler in a patriarchal society would have informed her public image, navigating expectations and challenges unique to her position. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to reflect on the complexities of female leadership, the burdens of representation, and the negotiation of identity within the confines of power.