Kroning van Maria Theresia tot koningin van Bohemen te Praag 1743 - 1744

Editor: So, this is a print on metal from 1743-1744 depicting "The Coronation of Maria Theresa as Queen of Bohemia in Prague". What strikes me is how an object of daily exchange could also act as propaganda and commemoration. How would you interpret its place in society then? Curator: Exactly! These weren't just simple coins; they were carefully crafted instruments of political communication. Think about the symbolic power of Maria Theresa’s image being circulated throughout her kingdom. The sheer act of distributing it aimed to solidify her legitimacy amidst complicated succession disputes. Do you notice anything particular about the imagery used? Editor: I see what looks like her riding a horse and Latin inscriptions...I suppose meant for wider consumption? Curator: Precisely. The equestrian portrait draws heavily from established visual traditions of Roman Emperors, linking her to ideals of power and stability. These prints, especially on metal, weren't simply documenting an event, they were actively participating in shaping public perception and reinforcing power structures. What kind of political message does that send, given her gender? Editor: Well, depicting a female ruler in traditionally masculine, military terms, it’s attempting to convey her strength and fitness to rule. Kind of fighting against ingrained prejudice, maybe? It's fascinating to see how a small coin could bear such weight. Curator: Indeed! And the inscriptions, designed to be accessible yet authoritative, underscore this message of strength and divine right. We tend to think of 'ancient' propaganda in monumental terms, but these small, portable images demonstrate how power can be subtly but consistently asserted in everyday life. I always ask myself what wasn't shown on these prints...who was excluded from this image? Editor: This makes me reconsider how we often overlook the political agency embedded in these types of artworks, dismissing them as "mere" historical artifacts. The conversation's completely shifted my perception. Thanks! Curator: It's crucial to consider how seemingly mundane objects actively constructed the very narratives they portray. Analyzing it from different points of view, we enrich its significance.