Henrietta Maria
- Artist: Hendrik van Steenwyck
- Artist: Unknown artist
- Date: circa 1635
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 85 in. x 53 1/4 in. (2159 mm x 1352 mm)
- Portrays: Henrietta Maria
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Before you is a large oil on canvas from about 1635. The portrait shows Henrietta Maria, the young daughter of Henry IV of France, in her courtly dress. Her hair is arranged in a high, smooth style and she wears a crown of pearls and gold. A fan and feathered hat rest beside her, hinting at the fashionable accessories of the day. The artist who painted her likeness – clearly influenced by Anthony van Dyck – was unknown, but you can see the background was finished first by the Dutch painter Hendrik van Steenwyck the Younger, giving a calm architectural setting that frames the sitter.
Henrietta married Charles I in 1625 and became queen consort of England. She introduced French style to the court, had many children, and stayed in England until the civil war shifted its course. Later she returned to France and eventually retired there. The painting captures her lively charm and her status as a key figure linking French and English royalty.
See it in person
Henrietta Maria is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
