Artwork
Henrietta Maria and Three Princesses
Henrietta Maria and Three Princesses is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print titled *Henrietta Maria and Three Princesses* is an engraving that depicts a formally dressed woman holding a fan, positioned behind a table. In front of her stand three children—a boy and two girls—clad in period costume. A curtain arches above the scene, suggesting an interior setting.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is identified as Henrietta Maria, accompanied by three royal offspring whose names and life dates are recorded in the inscription at the bottom of the plate. The composition emphasizes familial connection and status, with the fan and elaborate attire underscoring the woman's rank.
Technique & Style
Executed in the traditional engraving method, the work relies on incised lines to render intricate patterns on the woman's robe and the surrounding décor. The careful hatching creates depth and texture, while the overall formal composition reflects the meticulous, detail‑oriented aesthetic typical of pre‑photographic portrait prints.
History & Provenance
The engraving dates from a period when such prints served as a means of disseminating royal imagery to a wider audience. The inclusion of precise birth and death dates indicates it was likely produced shortly after the subjects' lifetimes, functioning both as a portrait and a documentary record.
Artist & collection
Artist
