"This insightfully argued and beautifully written book is a major contribution to our understanding of the gender dynamics in European monarchy. Germann considers the institution of French queenship not through its more infamous and exceptional personages, but by investigating portraits of one who ideally performed her role. Long underestimated, Marie Leszczinska emerges in this book as an active shaper of her image, a person well aware of the politics that came with her monarchical position. Germann's study will hopefully bring about a serious rethinking of French queenship, as well as a reconsideration of how monarchical images conveyed symbolic power in the ancien régime."
- Michael Yonan, University of Missouri, USA
"In her engaging, persuasive book, Picturing Marie Leszczinska (1703-1768), Jennifer G. Germann explores through an examination of portraits how Marie Leszczinska navigated the roles and restrictions of queenship. Germann deftly examines these portraits in the contexts of both conventions of representation and the subtle dialog that took place between the various portraits of the queen, and those of Louis XV and his mistresses. Germann sheds new light on Marie Leszczinska's understudied position as queen, while insightfully addressing issues of the social and political role of queenship and gender identity, and the power of portraits to both reveal and shape ideologies. Germann's sensitivity to visual analysis and her thorough, wide-ranging research makes Marie Leszczinska an exemplar of scholarly innovation and a pleasure to read."
- Julie Plax, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
"Germann presents her investigation in a scholarly yet engaging manner. (...). The author recounts cultural, social, and political histories of the time, which enrich and strengthen her thesis. (...) The text is peppered with lovely illustrations that support her view and facil
