The Royal Family of the Stuarts 

This is Michiel van der Gucht's engraving, "The Royal Family of the Stuarts." Made at a time when the concept of monarchy was steeped in notions of divine right and hereditary succession, the portraits memorialize members of the Stuart dynasty. The composition centers on Queen Anne, positioning her as the focal point of the Stuart lineage. While monarchs were often depicted in isolation to emphasize their unique status, this composition brings together multiple members, reinforcing the idea of a family legacy intertwined with political power. What strikes me is how this idealized representation of the Stuart family serves as a form of political propaganda, designed to legitimize their rule and project an image of stability and continuity. The choice to depict the family in a unified manner can be seen as an effort to solidify their authority amidst social and political upheaval. It's a powerful statement of identity, reinforcing the idea of a ruling class set apart from the rest of society.