Anne d'Autriche 1666

Curator: This is Robert Nanteuil's portrait of Anne of Austria, a print from 1666, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the formality, almost a weightiness, despite it being a print. You feel the power radiating from her gaze. Curator: Absolutely. The fleur-de-lis surrounding the oval certainly speak to her royal lineage and the divine right of kings, a concept heavily emphasized in that era. Editor: And Anne's role as Queen Mother is vital, ensuring the Bourbon line’s continuation. That ornament seems a deliberate symbol of power, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. Nanteuil expertly uses the symbolic weight of these emblems to depict Anne as a pillar of French power and tradition. Editor: Seeing her portrayed like this, one understands better the very constructed nature of monarchical image-making. Curator: Precisely. What lingers with me is the enduring power of these symbols and their continued relevance in understanding historical narratives. Editor: Yes, the way portraits like this shaped perceptions and legitimized power structures is something to reflect on.