Artwork

Infantin Maria Anna (1606-1646), Kaiserin, im Alter von 4 bis 5 Monaten, Bildnis in ganzer Figur

Infantin Maria Anna (1606-1646), Kaiserin, im Alter von 4 bis 5 Monaten, Bildnis in ganzer Figur is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan Pantoja de la Cruz. It dates from 1607 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1607 oil painting by Juan Pantoja de la Cruz portrays Maria Anna of Austria, future Holy Roman Empress, as an infant between four to five months old, depicted in full figure.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, dressed in elaborate attire including a lace collar, patterned jacket, and gold-trimmed white skirt, embodies the opulence expected of royal portraiture, even in infancy. The child's accessories, a small bell, a red object, and a waist chain, further emphasize their noble status.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes a dark background to employ chiaroscuro, a hallmark of early Baroque, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the infant. This stylistic choice heightens the subject's prominence.

History & Provenance

Created during the early Baroque period in Italy, the work is now part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection, reflecting its significance within the European royal portraiture tradition.

Context

As a product of the early Baroque, the painting reflects the artistic trends of its time, while its subject matter highlights the importance of royal lineage and display of wealth in 17th-century Europe.