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.

Read of the Week

This week I indugled in another Phillipa Gregory novel, these books are like brain candy for me! What I really love about Gregory is her ability to blend historical fact with enticing fiction; The Lady of the Rivers was no exception. This book follows the life of Jacquetta Bedford, a long time supporter of the house of Lancaster during the War of Roses. Jacquetta served as the primary lady in waiting to Margaret of Anjou during her controversial reign. Her devotion never wavered until by chance her daughter Elizabeth would put her close to the York claimaints. This book blends the interesting mix of magic and Catholic mysticism that made up religion in the time period. If you enjoyed the White Queen, its predecessor will not disappoint! Enjoy!

Henry VIII Meme

Hello followers!
A fellow historian sent me this image and I have been pondering about whether or not to use it on this blog for a while. The caption incites many questions: Did Henry only create a new church for the pupose of getting a divorce? Was he wholly responsible for Anne's death. Instead of weighing in myself, I want to hear your thoughts! Happy commenting!

Anne's Grave Slideshow

Happy October fellow Anne Boleyn enthusiasts!

I have located another video I think you all might like. It has a series of photos of St. Peter Ad Vincula, Anne's grave marker and the tower where she was executed. It was produced by Claire Ridgway of The Anne Boleyn Files. Enjoy!

Loving Mom or Distant Lady Mother: The Bond Between Anne and Elizabeth

It has long been discussed by Tudor historians what the relationship would have been like between Anne and her daughter Elizabeth. Due to practices instituted by Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Derby and paternal grandmother to Henry VIII, royal children where not raised at court. Justifiable fears of sickness (crowd disease was rampant due to lack of adequate latrines and cleaning practices) and a courtly lack of morals kept the heirs of Henry sequestered in great country houses. At these manors, the children were raised by teams of servants whose duties ranged from wetnurses and cradle rockers to academic tutors and dance instructors.
Because of this imposed practice, Elizabeth spent her first three years at Hatfield House, a country estate about twenty miles north of London. Anne would have seen Elizabeth only on great occassions when children were welcome at court such as Christmas and when the royal couple was on Summer Progress. Some writers have suggested that the situation equates to a lack of concern for the child on the part of Anne. We know, however, that Anne was raised in a similar situation, with her parents constantly away at court while she was grew up with her siblings at Hever, so this distance would not only have been required but would have seemed quite normal to the Queen. When I explored this claim, I found many signs that Anne was indeed a loving mother despite that physical distance between her and her daughter. Anne's account books showed that despite a healthy budget provided by the King to purchase clothing for Elizabeth, Anne often sent ribbons and lace to adorn the child's clothing that she personally chose.There is also a receipt for "several lengths" of orange silk (a rare and expensive color)  embroidered with Anne's royal badge in gold thread. Anne sent the cloth to Elizabeth for it to be sewn into a new dress. While hunting, Anne often sent choice cuts of venison and other animals to Hatfield and hand-picked several of the servants who made up Elizabeth's household including Kat Ashley (who would become Elizabeth's lifelong friend and confidante), the Ladies Bryan  and Shelton amongst others. Anne even chose to often sit in on the betrothal discussions for Elizabeth, an action unheard of in this time period.

All of these actions constitute what I would interpret as a great interest in her daughter's life and a healthy level of affection for her given the social constraints of Tudor England. I would surmise that Anne loved Elizabeth and went above and  beyond the normal motherly duties of this time period to express that love. For anyone to assume/express that Anne did not care for Elizabeth would expose their inherrent lack of knowledge and understanding of the social context and practices of Henry the Eighth's court.