I have just read a very interesting post about this portrait of an ‘English Princess’ dated back to 1535.
Originally it was implied that the sitter was Mary Tudor but of course this presents some problems because in 1535 Mary was not yet returned to favour and so would such a portrait have been commissioned? The other obvious issue is that in 1535 Mary is assumed to have been 19 years of age and this sitter to me looks much younger.
So we are left with the question, if not Mary then who? Perhaps current investigations will confirm the identify of the sitter.
Regardless of who this person is, it once again fills me with hope that one day we will either uncover a ‘new’ portrait or identify the sitter of a known portrait as being one of the Boleyns! Imagine finally seeing what George Boleyn looked like or setting your eyes upon a full length portrait of Anne Boleyn. Well, until then I can keep hoping…
To read the full post please visit Mary Tudor Renaissance Queen.
Related posts:
Very interesting! Am I correct in thinking that Mary was very short, as was her mother, Katherine? This sitter looks short but she also appears to have a bust, which might imply that it’s at least a teenager. I wonder, if it is Mary, could the Spanish have commissioned it, perhaps to keep Katherine’s spirits up throughout her illness and exile from her daughter?
The sitter’s expression is also very much like one I’d imagine Mary to have; somewhat serious and unhappy. I’m also fascinated by the painter’s style – it’s so realistic, it looks like a photo! Brilliant find! Thanks for sharing.
Karina
The little girl in the portrait above, reminds me of the little bridesmaid at Prince William and Lady Catherine’s wedding. His goddaughter, Grace. The the one with the hands over her ears when they were on the balcony.
The little girl in the above portrait does appear to be too young to be Princess Mary in 1535 and too old to be Princess Elizabeth in 1535. So who can she be? How about Catherine Carey? She would have been as young as nine years or as old as eleven years in 1535. I am thinking that would be an amazing discovery to find a portrait of Catherine Carey labeled English Princess. Would such a discovery confirm that she was the King’s daughter? LoL I know I am dreaming, but it would be an amazing thing to be discovered and it would mean today’s royal family are descendants of Henry viii. lol