Peter Paul Rubens
The Coronation of Maria de’ Medici
Creation
1710
Dimensions
44.7 x 82.5 cm
Material / Technique
paper/engraving
COURAGE: Rubens Prints III
prints, photographs
Location: R 316 Rubens Cabinet
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640)
Engraver
Jean Audran (1667 - 1756)
About the object
In 1622, Rubens was commissioned by Maria de’ Medici to depict her life in a series of paintings. For this, he had to portray her controversial role in politics in a positive light. Maria had dared to oppose her son Louis XIII and his advisors. Her coronation in 1610, shown here, formed the basis for her reign. At a time when women in Europe had little political power, Maria was an extraordinary figure.