Queen Henrietta Maria
Artist: Anthony van Dyck (Belgian, 1599–1641)
Original Dimensions: 41 5/8" x 33 1/4"
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
About Artwork: (1636) "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." - (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

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