Artwork
Princess Maria, Daughter of Emanuel, King of Portugal
Princess Maria, Daughter of Emanuel, King of Portugal 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 work is an engraved portrait titled "Princess Maria, Daughter of Emanuel, King of Portugal." Executed as a black‑and‑white print, it depicts a young woman with curled hair, a decorative collar, and a flower in one hand, the other hand resting on her chest. The background is plain, while her attire is rendered with intricate ruffles and beadwork.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as Princess Maria, daughter of King Emanuel of Portugal. The inclusion of a flower and the elaborate dress suggest a portrayal of noble status and the conventions of courtly portraiture, emphasizing lineage and refinement.
Technique & Style
Engraving creates tonal variation through a network of incised lines, allowing the artist to model forms and textures. In this print, fine hatching defines the fabric’s folds and the delicate curls of hair, while broader strokes suggest depth in the collar and background.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced as a printed image rather than a painted work, indicating it was intended for broader distribution. No specific date or artist is recorded, but the style aligns with early modern European portrait engravings used to disseminate royal imagery.
Context
Portrait engravings of royal family members were common in the 17th and 18th centuries, serving both as diplomatic gifts and as a means of reinforcing dynastic legitimacy. The plain background focuses attention on the figure, a typical convention for such official representations.
Artist & collection
Artist
