Anne Boleyn's Appearance

One of the questions I am often asked is, "What did Anne look like?"  You may have all noticed that the portraiture of Anne on this blog is vast and highly different. This is due to the fact that there are no contemporary likenesses of her as they were destroyed in the wake of her execution. However, we do have some primary source evidence regarding her looks. The following desciptions are of those who viewed Anne personally:

"[She is] beautiful with an elegant figure"
             -Sir Lancelot de Carles
"[She is] not one of the handsomest women in the world; she is of middling stature, swarthy complexion, long neck, wide mouth, a bosom not much raised and eyes which are black beautiful."
             -Francesco Sanuto, Venetian Diplomat at the Tudor court

There has been much debate over the above sketch, made circa 1530 and whether or not it depicts Anne. It was done by celebrated Tudor artist Hans Holbein the Younger who was familiar with Anne through his artwork done for her coronation celebrations. However, despite being titled Ana Bollein Queen, it is has been proven that the writing was done well after the sketch was originally produced. We also have to wonder about the thickness of her neck. One thing quite agreed on by Tudor sources was that Anne has a long slender neck and high cheek bones. This sketch shows a woman with significant swelling in her face and neck. She also appears to be wearing a night gown with a fur trimmed robe over the top. We know from desciptions of Anne's wardrobe that she was very fashion forward and aware of her appearance so I doubt she would have allowed herself to be portrayed in such a way.
The next portrait which is identified as the "Most excellent Princesse <sic> Anne Boleyn" shares facial similarities with the Holbein sketch including the double chin and swollen neck. However is one were to closely examine the portrait you would notice the similarties between it and authenticated portraits of Jane Seymour. The plain face with rounded features and heavy garments are more in line with what we know of Queen Jane rather than Queen Anne. The only real identifying feature in the work is the iconic AB brooch pinned to the front of the sitter's dress.

The Nidd Hall Miniature


The next piece of evidence we must consider is the famed Elizabeth I ring which housed a picture of her mother. (see my post on the ring here)Inside the ring are miniatures of both Elizabeth and Anne. Art historians has decided that the image inside most closely resembles the portrait below which is housed at the National Portrait Gallery.

The NPG Image

Another factor which seeks to authenticate this version of Anne is the almost exact replica which hangs at Hever House. The clothing is quite similar, the B necklace is depicted in the same way, and the French hood which Anne was known to favor is present is both works. The only large differences being the single rose held in Anne's right hand.

The Hever Castle Portrait

Celebrated historian Eric Ives would call her face "...one of character, not of beauty..."

We may never know exactly what Anne looked like unless a deeply buried, contemporary portrait of her exists. I however, based on the evidence, believe that the NPG image most closely resembles Anne Boleyn. What is your favorite depiction followers?

Sources: The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn, The Lady in the Tower, NPG, Tudor Imagery Archives and The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

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