Who painted Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso]?

Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso] was painted by Raffaello Schiaminossi in 1612.

Where can I see Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso]?

Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso]?

Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso] is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso]

Raffaello Schiaminossi , 1612

Margaret of Austria Giving Audience to a Nobleman [verso] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Raffaello Schiaminossi. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Raffaello Schiaminossi’s etching, dated 1612, portrays a formal audience scene featuring Margaret of Austria seated on an elevated chair. The composition is densely populated, with various figures positioned around the central female figure, conveying a sense of courtly activity.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Margaret of Austria receiving a nobleman, suggesting a diplomatic or ceremonial encounter. The presence of kneeling and standing attendants, as well as a man holding a rolled document, underscores the procedural nature of the audience.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching on laid paper, the image relies on delicate line work to render the textures of luxurious garments, the folds of a striped backdrop, and the intricate details of accessories such as a fan. The fine incisions typical of early‑17th‑century printmaking create a layered, crisp visual effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1612, the print belongs to Schiaminossi’s oeuvre of courtly subjects. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece reflects the period’s interest in documenting aristocratic rituals through reproducible media.

Context

The early 1600s saw a rise in printed representations of political and social ceremonies, catering to an audience eager for visual accounts of elite affairs. Schiaminossi’s work aligns with this trend, offering a detailed snapshot of a noble audience within a richly appointed interior.