Sunday, February 27, 2011

What did Anne Boleyn look like?




Hans Holbein the Younger was King Henry's official court painter and he was forced to lie. The people were given the ideal image of their Queen. The first painting is a joke, only the jewels are accurate. That middle pic is a studio sketch that the King never saw. It's probably close, but, even in his studio, Holbein feared for his head. To be accepted at court, you must have had a tiny bow mouth, small features, light hair and complexion. Anne had none of these things..yet, Henry was crazy for her. Well, until he got her and then we know what happened. Anyway, I spent months painting Anne based only on verbal descriptions of her from people who actually met her. Both those who loved her and those who hated her. I painted and painted...and then realized I was painting Amy. I'm convinced that last photo is what Anne Boleyn actually looked like in life. It makes sense.

14 comments:

Bayou Jane said...

That's a good pic of Amy. I'm so glad she is doing better. I hope she keeps it up. Such a wonderful voice!

Mabel Leaf said...

My first introduction to Anne Boleyn was when my class went and saw the movie Anne of the Thousand Days back in *cough cough* 1969. So I always pictured her as looking like Genvieve Bujold. But I think you are right Pat. Judging by the likenesses that survived her, she probably looked more like Amy Winehouse. LOL...Anne must have had one hell of a personality(or something).

Dirty Disher said...

I think Anne was very a dark exotic beauty, which at that time, was not the way to look. It wasn't popular. But, she was raised in the French court and taught the art of flirt and tease. She was bright too. If you ignore the silly lies that are her paintings, the descriptions talk about flashing black eyes, big wide mouth and a long big nose. I really think she looked like Winehouse right down to the shape of her face and her hair texture.

Bayou Jane said...

OT...do you think Banksy will show up at the Oscars? If he does, will he wear his monkey mask? Does anyone think he will show his face to the world? Nah! Too much mystery!

miss tia said...

i bet banksy will be at the oscars, though not in a monkey mask...he'll be there just blending in with everyone else in the audience....

hopefully he'll leave some graffiti in the bathroom.....

Debbie and Annie said...

I've been wondering about Bansky too. I hope he shows up. I would.

Miss Tia said...

ricky gervais' suggested opening monologue for the 2 boring hosts of the oscars....it's the first post.....brilliant.....

Dan Zinski said...

My sources tell me a midget will be attending the Oscars in Banksy's place.

Frimmy said...

A midget!! That`s so obvious.

A-Gran said...

I didn't know this, DD. Thanks for posting. I'm fascinated by the Tudors.

Dan Zinski said...

natportman

Miss Tia said...

sorry that pretentious cunt portman won....if it's any consolation, it dooms her relationship with her bf!

Dirty Disher said...

Tonya, don't you LOVE Natalie Dormer? She's so awesome.

A-Gran said...

DD, I DO love her! She has such a cat-like appearance and manner that really suits Anne Boleyn.