An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Queen Henrietta MariaAnthony van Dyck
Flemish, Antwerp 1599–1641 London
1636
41 5/8 × 33 1/4 in. (105.7 × 84.5 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in honor of Annette de la Renta, 2019
In Anthony van Dyck's portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria, we are drawn into a moment of quiet contemplation. The warm, golden fabric of her gown flows gracefully, creating a sense of elegance and nobility. The contrasting textures of the lace collar and the rich satin of her dress highlight the artist's skillful attention to detail.
Her gaze is both direct and serene, inviting the viewer to ponder her thoughts. The queen stands with her hands seemingly poised in delicate balance, perhaps symbolizing her role as a mediator in a tumultuous time. Behind her, a crown subtly placed adds an element of royal authority, yet it is her calm demeanor that resonates most strongly.
Van Dyck's use of light accentuates her features, illuminating her complexion and emphasizing the softness of her curls. This gentle play of light creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing us to connect with her on a more personal level. Through this artwork, we are reminded of her strength and resilience, even amidst the challenges she faced as a queen. Each brushstroke tells a silent story, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of her life and legacy.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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