If one name epitomises the grandeur and turbulence of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it is Louis XIV of France, also known as the 'Sun King'. Renowned for his unrelenting ambition, he ruled with an iron fist, crushing his enemies within his realm and across Europe. Widely regarded as the most powerful monarch of his time, he was both feared and despised, inspiring awe and resentment in equal measure.

In late 1700, the European balance of power faced a significant shift with the death of Carlos II of Spain – also known as 'The Bewitched' – who had suffered from a terrible illness. Not able to produce an heir, just before his death he named his great-nephew, Louis XIV of France's grandson, Philip, Duke of Anjou, as his successor to the Spanish throne. This decision caused outrage across the continent, as no one wanted the Catholic House of Bourbon to dominate both of these European thrones at the same time.

Madame de Ventadour with Portraits of Louis XIV and His Heirs

Louis XIV, depicted here alongside his heirs, exemplifies the French king's unwavering determination to secure the continuation of his dynasty and perpetuate his legacy. This portrayal reflects not only his pride in his lineage but also his ambition to extend his empire and his influence beyond France's borders – including the annexation of Spain and all its vast dominions.

On 1st November 1700, Carlos II of Spain passed away, marking the end of his line and triggering a major crisis in European politics. The succession of Philip, Duke of Anjou, threatened to upend the peace and stability of Europe, as Protestant powers refused to recognise his legitimacy, especially given that other successors could have been chosen – ones less likely to provoke widespread unrest.

In response, William III of England and Scotland signed the Treaty of the Grand Alliance with Austria and Holland, uniting these powers in an effort to counterbalance the growing threat posed by France and Spain. However, William's actions against France remained measured and restrained. Likely weary from his long-standing personal rivalry with Louis, he appeared more inclined towards diplomacy and concessions than outright defiance.

His successor, however, would not be so docile.

Queen Anne (1665–1714), as Princess of Denmark, Reigned 1702–1714

On 18th March 1702, William III passed away, and Queen Anne ascended the throne. Unbeknownst to her, she would become the last Stuart to ever rule in Britain. Her legacy remains somewhat controversial, as, like her Tudor predecessor Elizabeth I – with whom she shared the emblematic motto Semper Eadem ('Always the Same') – she failed to secure the continuation of the dynastic line.

Queen Anne is often remembered for her numerous pregnancies and her allegedly scandalous court, marked by the influence of female courtiers. Yet, little attention is given to the warrior queen she truly was – a woman unafraid to challenge the most powerful man in Europe: Louis XIV.

Some portraits emphasise her femininity and fertility, reflecting her remarkable eighteen pregnancies. These images portray her as a caring mother figure to her country – a clear parallel to Elizabeth I.

Yet Queen Anne was far more than just a feminine figure or the subject of court gossip about her favouritism towards certain ladies. Ultimately, she demonstrated great strength and courage, refusing to bow to the Catholic Franco-Spanish domination of Europe.

Upon her accession, she wasted no time convincing the Grand Alliance to take up arms against Spain and France. The alliance quickly gained Portugal's support, and on 15th May, they formally declared war on France.

In this portrait, Anne is shown touching the orb, a symbol of royal power. Although she is depicted without her crown, it sits next to the orb – a reminder that her power is divine and that, just like the French king, she is an anointed monarch chosen by God. Anne embodies the image of a warrior Protestant queen, unafraid to stand up for her beliefs and her country's freedom against what was perceived as French tyranny.

The war between Great Britain, the Netherlands, and other Protestant countries against the Franco-Spanish empire triggered what became known as the War of the Spanish Succession. This global struggle was fought across four continents: the Americas, Africa, Asia and (obviously) Europe. It was a true world war, driven by the rivalries and ambitions of European rulers vying for conquest and dominance.

One of the earliest battles, the Battle of Malaga, ended in a draw, highlighting the immense challenges Queen Anne faced in opposing the most powerful man in Europe – and perhaps even the world.

This battle is depicted by Isaac Sailmaker, who emphasised the incredible number of English and Dutch ships that ventured into the Mediterranean to challenge the Sun King and thwart his ambitions.

Queen Anne proved to be a powerful ruler and rival to the French king. A statue made in her honour at the University of Oxford captures her raising her fist – a gesture that now seems like a symbol of defiance. In reality, she originally held a royal sceptre, which was lost over time. While unintentional, this alteration enhances the statue's representation of Anne's warlike spirit and unwavering determination.

While Queen Anne is often portrayed as a maternal figure in her portraits, she is also frequently depicted holding her royal sceptre, a symbol of strength and power.

In this portrait, Anne exudes majesty, with a horse ornament positioned at the centre, symbolising courage and readiness for battle, as if she herself could be riding into combat against the French tyrant.

Another portrait from 1705 shows Queen Anne holding the royal sceptre, with her left hand positioned near the crown, emphasising her dual role as a motherly royal figure and a warrior queen.

In a different portrait, likely painted towards the end of her reign, the queen appears commanding and regal: equal to any male European leader. Her reign was notable for the Act of Union in 1707 (creating the new state of Great Britain from Scotland and England) and her unwavering defiance against the tyranny of Louis XIV of France and his ambitions to dominate all of Europe.

In the end, the British Empire and its allies emerged victorious in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. Though victory came at a great cost, it ushered in a new era for Great Britain, solidifying its position as a leading global power in the eighteenth century.

The Battle of Malplaquet, 11 September 1709

The Battle of Malplaquet in 1709 resulted in disastrous casualties but symbolised how the Grand Alliance – comprising Britain, the Netherlands, and other Protestant nations – launched a bold attack on French camps and forces.

Queen Anne, though not born to rule, proved that she was unquestionably born to fight. She refused to bow to any foreign power and showed no fear when the tyrannical French king threatened the peace in Europe.

Estelle Paranque, historian and author

This content was funded by The Weiss Gallery