Queen Henrietta Maria

Anthony van Dyck

1636 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

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.

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Date

1636

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in honor of Annette de la Renta, 2019