A probable objective of the portrait was to show the monarchy was functioning while her baby son Alfonso XIII, probably less than a year old when this was painted, grew up.
This portrait shows María Cristina wearing an evening dress with a substantial bustle ending in a swag behind her covering the origin of her train. The dark color suggests she is in mourning over the loss of Alfonso XII to tuberculosis in 1885. Alfonso XIII was actually born in May 1886 after Alfonso XII died so this portrait probably dates to 1886 or maybe 1887.
Keywords: 1886, María Cristina Habsburg, Archduchess, Queen, Habsburg family, Borbón family, Spanish, straight coiffure, trapezoidal neckline, quarter length tight sleeves, ruffles, stomacher, cuirasse bodice, bustle, train, order sash, order bows, necklace, brooch, bracelets, gloves