1636, Anthony van Dyck, Queen Henrietta Maria -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: In Van Dyck's portrait, the pregnant queen of England cradles her arms over her abdomen while standing next to a crown that advertises her rank. Henrietta Maria commissioned this painting as a gift for Cardinal Francesco Barberini, who viewed the devout French-born queen as a critical collaborator in his dream of regaining England for the Catholic Church. Destined for a leading patron of the arts in Baroque Rome, Van Dyck's portrait was one of many diplomatic gifts that spread the artist's fame and influence throughout Europe.
1636, Anthony van Dyck, Queen Henrietta Maria -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: In Van Dyck's portrait, the pregnant queen of England cradles her arms over her abdomen while standing next to a crown that advertises her rank. Henrietta Maria commissioned this painting as a gift for Cardinal Francesco Barberini, who viewed the devout French-born queen as a critical collaborator in his dream of regaining England for the Catholic Church. Destined for a leading patron of the arts in Baroque Rome, Van Dyck's portrait was one of many diplomatic gifts that spread the artist's fame and influence throughout Europe.