Artwork
Princess Maria Magdalen

Princess Maria Magdalen is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wolfgang Kilian. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Princess Maria Magdalen is a black-and-white engraving by Wolfgang Kilian, dated to 1615. The work portrays a woman within a circular frame, adorned with Latin inscriptions likely denoting her name and titles.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Princess Maria Magdalen, is depicted in formal attire, characterized by a prominent white collar and a pearl necklace, with her hair styled in curls and pinned up. The simplicity of the plain background contrasts with the ornateness of her accessories and the frame, emphasizing her stature.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Kilian's use of fine linework to achieve shading and detail, a hallmark of the engraving technique prevalent during the period. The circular frame with decorative Latin text adds a layer of sophistication, aligning with early 17th-century portrait conventions.
History & Provenance
Created in 1615 by Wolfgang Kilian, the engraving's provenance details are not specified here, though its existence suggests it was likely part of a collection or series of royal portraits from its time.
Context
This work reflects the early 17th-century European tradition of engraving as a means to disseminate portraits of nobility. The use of Latin for the inscription highlights the language's prevalence in formal and artistic contexts at the time.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Princess Maria Magdalen' are not detailed, the piece contributes to the broader legacy of Wolfgang Kilian's engraving work and the historical record of European royal portraiture in the early 17th century.













