Anton von Maron – Maria-Theresa of Habsburg (1717-1780), Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary (1740) and Bohemia (1743), wearing widow’s dress, presenting the crowns of Bohemia and Hungary and the Imperial Crown Château de Versailles

Here we observe a formal portrait depicting a woman in mourning attire. She is positioned centrally within the composition, seated and facing slightly towards the left. Her posture conveys a sense of dignified composure; her hand rests upon a table displaying several crowns. The background consists of classical architectural elements – fluted columns partially obscured by heavy drapery – which contribute to an atmosphere of grandeur and solemnity.
The woman’s attire is particularly significant. She wears a full-length black dress, indicative of mourning customs prevalent during the eighteenth century. A delicate lace veil covers her hair, further emphasizing the somber tone. The richness of the fabric suggests considerable wealth and status. A small decorative element – likely an emblem or insignia – is affixed to her bodice, hinting at her royal lineage.
The table upon which the crowns are placed is elaborately carved and draped with a rich textile, drawing attention to the symbols of power it holds. The crowns themselves appear weighty and ornate, representing dominion over Bohemia and Hungary, as well as the Imperial Crown. Her gesture towards them – a deliberate placement of her hand – implies an act of presentation or stewardship rather than direct rule. She does not hold a scepter; instead, she grasps a walking stick, which might be interpreted as a symbol of authority tempered by age or infirmity.
Subtexts within the painting revolve around themes of loss, duty, and inherited power. The widow’s weeds immediately signal grief, likely referencing the death of her husband, Emperor Francis I. The presentation of the crowns suggests that while she may have once held direct rule, her role now is one of symbolic representation or regency for a successor. The classical architecture and formal pose reinforce the idea of tradition and established authority, suggesting an enduring legacy despite personal sorrow. The subdued color palette – dominated by blacks, golds, and muted browns – further contributes to the overall impression of restrained dignity and solemnity. The artist has crafted not merely a likeness but a visual statement about power, loss, and the burdens of leadership within a dynastic context.