Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What was the intention behind the artist's portrayal of Empress Maria Theresa?

1. To depict her as a benevolent ruler

2. To highlight her as an absolutist ruler of her diverse empire

3. To show her as a maternal figure

4. To emphasize her military leadership

The correct answer is: To highlight her as an absolutist ruler of her diverse empire

The portrayal of Empress Maria Theresa likely aimed to highlight her role as an absolutist ruler of her diverse empire. Maria Theresa ruled during a time when her authority and governance were critical in consolidating power across various territories, including Austria, Hungary, and other regions. Artists often aimed to convey the strength and unity of the ruler, especially in the context of an empire with a multitude of ethnicities and cultures. By emphasizing her as an absolutist leader, the artist would reflect her authority and the centralization of power that characterized her reign, which was significant in maintaining control over her diverse realm and addressing the challenges posed by rivals and internal conflicts. Additionally, while aspects such as benevolence, maternal qualities, or military leadership may be present in interpretations of her image, the focus on absolutism speaks more directly to how she navigated and managed the complexities of her rule, reinforcing her position of power and the stability she aimed to provide within her empire. This portrayal would resonate with the political climate of the time, where strong, centralized leaders were viewed as necessary for maintaining the integrity and strength of their states.