Bernard Van Orley, Portrait of Margaret of Austria
Dressed fully in black, the regent Margaret of Austria looks the viewer in the eye. In the museum, not only do you discover this remarkable portrait but you step into the world of one of the most fascinating women of her time.
A Woman in Power
On 18 March 1507, Maximilian of Austria appointed his daughter Margaret as the regent of the Netherlands. She set up court in Mechelen, bringing a host of nobles, high-ranking officials, artists and craftsmen with her. Mechelen would experience a period of prosperity and relative peace under Margaret. At her palace, the Court of Savoy, she would educate an entire generation of princes and princesses who would later hold the most powerful positions.
It is not by chance that Margaret presents herself like this to the world in her portrait. After the death of her third husband, Philbert of Savoy, Margaret chose to appear exclusively in black. As well as an expression of grief, it was a form of image-building. Margaret portrayed herself as a widow and as a strong, independent woman.
Court Painter Bernard van Orley
Court painter Bernard van Orley joined Margaret's service in 1508. He took charge of a large workshop with a high production output. This portrait originates from that workshop. The records show that the painter produced several portraits of her between 1519 and 1532. This representation served as the regent's official portrait.
Portrait of Margaret of Austria in detail
- Title: Portrait of Margaret of Austria
- Item name: painting
- Maker: Bernard Van Orley
- Date: ca. 1515
- Material: oils on panel
- Dimensions: 47,5 x 34,5 x 4,5 cm
- Origin: Bristol Museums & Art Gallery
