SECRETS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE TUDOR PORTRAIT | Art history documentary | Tudor history documentary

What are the HIDDEN MEANINGS in this impossible Tudor portrait, entitled An Allegory of the Tudor Succession: The Family of Henry VIII? Why does it show four of the five Tudor monarchs (Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I), plus Mary’s husband, Philip II of Spain, even though in reality the five never met at the same time and their ages and clothing as shown in the picture are mostly incompatible with true history?

In this art history documentary from History Calling I set about decoding the secrets of this impossible picture. Why are the Tudors positioned in this way, with Henry in the centre, even though Elizabeth was on the throne at the time it was painted? Why is the then Queen on his left, at the far side of the picture, arguably the place of least honour? Why is Edward still a young child here, instead of the boy of fifteen he was when he died? Why are none of Henry VIII’s wives present? Who are the classical figures standing to the left and right of the image? What do they represent, what is the significance of the sword Henry VIII is passing to Edward VI and what does the inscription around the picture’s border mean?

I’ll also look at a near copy of the picture. The original was painted in 1572 supposedly by Lucus de Heere and now hangs at Sudeley Castle, having originally been a gift from Elizabeth I to Sir Francis Walsingham. The copy was painted by an anonymous artist in c. 1590 and now hangs on the wall of the Yale Centre for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut. How do they compare to each other and to other famous Tudor portraits including the Family of Henry VIII which is held at Hampton Court Palace? I’ll discuss the vandalism to the copy too and how it has been conserved over the years.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

HIDDEN MESSAGES WITHIN FAMOUS PAINTING OF HENRY VIII AND HIS CHILDREN
WILL SOMMER – HENRY VIII’S FOOL
ART HISTORY PLAYLIST
TUDOR MONARCHS’ PLAYLIST

GEAR USED

BUY OR RENT:

The Tudors, season 1
The Tudors, season 2
The Tudors, season 3
The Tudors, season 4
Becoming Elizabeth, season 1 (Starz, 2022)
Elizabeth I and Her Enemies (2017)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Elizabeth (1998)
Elizabeth I (2006)
Elizabeth I – The Virgin Queen (2006)
Elizabeth R (1972)
Henry VIII and his Six Wives (2016 docu-drama)
Six Wives with Lucy Worsley (2016 docu-drama)

Thumbnail: An Allegory of the Tudor Succession: The Family of Henry VIII, Yale Centre for British Art, public domain

NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.

[HistoryCalling]

Which of the two versions of the portrait do you prefer and why? Let me know below and remember you can also find me at:

[steviestarfire]

I’m a nurse and have had a hectic day. What do l get a notification for as I’m walking out of work? A brand spanking new HC video about some of my favorite subject matter. Now my ride home isn’t so long. Thanks HC, you’ve made my evening!

[gingersnap]

I 100% agree with your interpretation of the background settings. Elizabeth was an absolute master at imagery and propaganda and adding a Roman vs English juxtaposition is entirely in line with how she markets herself. If that spire *is* one of the tops of the White Tower, I also wonder if that's intentional. Didn't Henry have those added specifically for Ann? I wonder if it's a way Elizabeth could acknowledge her mother without physically putting her in the painting.

[L.K.Rydens]

I think you are right about it being the Vatican vs England, especially because the artist has done the Da Vinci thing of using the horizons as messaging. The horizon on the Vatican side towers over Mary and Philip, reinforcing the view of them as small and controlled, and the Vatican powerful and overbearing in comparison. On Elisabeth's side however, the horizon is lower than the top of her head, making her seem bigger and taller, and therefore more powerful 😊🍀✨

[chrisbanks]

Funny. I am slap bang in the middle of (re) watching Elizabeth R (1971) and have just finished the Walsingham / Mary episode. You have the uncanny knack of spooking me now and then. 😂 In a good way, of course. Carry on

[happycommuter]

I worked for many years in an office with an art historian, and videos like these make me feel like I’m back with her. Thanks for this terrific tutorial!

[ficfan]

I like the original painting more than the copy.

Most people read images like they read words, for english speakers that means they start at the left side of the painting and will continue to the right. The direction of faces and bodies also push the gaze towards the right. I think the reason that Edward is the most plain is because he's designed to give one final push towards Elizabeth. Edward even matches the green curtains behind him. Then Peace and Plenty on the right side are facing towards the left, therefore stopping the viewers from moving past them and directly back to Elizabeth.

The colors are actually very well done. Elizabeth is the most contrasting with the background and stands out. The only one who comes close is Henry and even he's given a red coat to blend in with all the red colors of the background. Peace and Plenty are a bit brighter colors, but they still are red with the background. Mary and Phillip are wearing dark colors because the gaze will move past them towards the contrasting Elizabeth.

in the first painting, the artist did such an amazing job of making Elizabeth the center of the painting, even when she's not in the center.

[stephencarrillo]

👍I know this will be one of your videos that I'll rewatch more than once, HC. I like reading or studying with your voice in the background; it helps to provide a contemplative space. Walsingham - now there was a complex character. Have you ever considered him as a subject? Thanks for this thorough presentation. You rock! 🙏🏼

[Raven]

The painter of the second image has taken YouTube rules into account. Another very interesting video. The copy is more vibrant so I prefer that one.

[pastalover]

Good video! I think I prefer the original painting, because their faces look more realistic, the perspective is slightly better, the sky is less gloomy and most importantly everyone is spaced out a lot more so the painting doesn't look so cluttered

[alioncosmic]

I love videos about Tudor art! I think I'd have to say I'd like the younger version more, I think the details are more defined and easier for me to see. I do prefer Elizabeth's 1570s dress in the elder picture, though.

[Natasha-tuqs]

Fascinating video. I actually think I slightly prefer the original. Whilst I agree that the colours aren't as vibrant (although perhaps they were much more so originally?), I think the overall composition and artistic skill is better. The figures look a bit less wooden and more natural in their poses. The colours blend together better and create a warn glow and ambience. The background architecture also looks slightly better to my eye. Overall, I just feel everything fits together better. Just my opinion to though. 😅 Thanks as always for your wonderful, quality analysis

[seaottar]

Personally I prefer the first painting. Although the colours are more vibrant in the second painting, it feels like the first artist had a better grasp of perspective and scale. The second artist made everyone look a little squashed flat, it feels like the royals are waiting in queue.

For the colours, I think which painting people would prefer would probably depend on if they like warmer or cooler tones. The first painting is a lot warmer than the second, personally I prefer cooler colours so my ideal painting would be a combo of every feature from the first with colours that are more similar to the second.

[jbu]

I like the first painting for myriad reasons, but primarily beause Pleanty is absolutely rocking that Mohawk!

[Peter-]

Hi HC, great video. I’m with you, I prefer the copy mainly because of the more vibrant colours and detail.

[Nat]

Painting analysis! Yes! For my part, given the context of composition of the second painting I cannot help but interpret the possible presence of Will Sommers next to Philip as a way to take a dig at him. His Spanish Armada may have been great but it is true that the whole affair was foolishly botched by Parma and Medina Sidonia, Philip's men

[FandersonUfo]

ty HC - the most important Tudor painting - very glad the Welsh wound up with it

[revgurley]

I always learn so much from your videos. Please keep it up! I know it's your passion, and you're sharing your research with us. Thank you!

[vernon]

Good evening HC, very interesting video. I like the second one better mainly for the reasons you do. I also think that the added figure is Will Sommer. I may have to go to Yale to see the painting. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks

[rochelleoconnor]

I always love your content, thank you for taking the time to create and share these videos 🎉