Political strategies and artistic representations: Mary of Hungary and the construction of the post-mortem image of Louis II Jagellon

Abstract

This study analyzes how Mary of Hungary created and promoted the post-mortem image of Louis II to benefit the imperial policy of the Habsburg dynasty. To do so, reasons that led the queen of Hungary to draw up a series of representation strategies to vindicate her position as a pious widow, proclaim her legal rights over the territories of Hungary and Bohemia, and strengthen her relationship with the Hungarian monarchy will be examined. These artistic initiatives allowed her to maintain an active role in the European diplomatic scene, helping her reinforce her legitimacy as Governor of the Netherlands and to consolidate the authority of Ferdinand I against János Szapolyai.