The artwork “19. The Queen Opts for Security” was created by the eminent artist Peter Paul Rubens between the years 1622 and 1625. Rubens, known for his influence on the Baroque art movement, conceived this piece as a history and allegorical painting and included it as part of the Marie de’ Medici cycle. The series was crafted to glorify the life of the French queen consort Marie de’ Medici. The formative period of Baroque, which is known for its dramatic, emphatic, and intense style, is perfectly exemplified in this piece.
In the artwork, we observe a dynamic and tumultuous scene. At the center is a regally attired female figure, likely representing Queen Marie herself, drawing our attention with a poised yet subtle gesture. She is draped in flowing, classical garments, a common characteristic of allegorical figures in the Baroque period, exuding a sense of calm in the midst of chaos. Surrounding her are various other figures, each engaged in a different action, contributing to a narrative that is both complex and intense.
An armored figure lies at the female’s feet, possibly symbolizing a fallen power or a discarded approach. Another figure appears to be feverishly writing on a tablet, recording the event or perhaps decreeing an edict. In contrast to these individuals’ measured focus, the background is tumultuous with a swirling dark sky, suggesting the presence of an impending storm or conflict, a theme often explored in history paintings to reflect turmoil or transition.
Each character, symbol, and gesture within the artwork appears to have been carefully calculated to convey a story about power, legacy, and perhaps the perilous balance between peace and upheaval. Rubens has masterfully used the vivid expressions, dynamic poses, and interplay of light and dark to embody the drama and grandeur typical of the Baroque period, and to reflect the narrative and political undertones intended in the commission of the Marie de’ Medici cycle.
