Recent infrared scans of the Hever Rose portrait, which depicts the iconic English queen Anne Boleyn, have unveiled fascinating details about the artistic choices made by its creator. Curators at Hever Castle, the historical residence of Boleyn, announced that the painter intentionally deviated from a standardised design that had been previously approved for representations of the Tudor queen.
Artistic Deviations Revealed
The analysis indicates that the artist modified the initial undersketch, which was supposed to follow a conventional “B” pattern. Instead, the completed portrait features Boleyn’s hands, a significant departure from the norm. Dr Owen Emmerson, assistant curator at Hever Castle, remarked that this inclusion serves as a “visual rebuttal to hostile rumours” surrounding Boleyn, who was often accused of witchcraft and was said to have been born with extra fingers. “The decision to show Anne’s hands should be understood as intentional,” he stated, suggesting a purposeful choice to challenge damaging narratives about her character.
Scientific Dating of the Artwork
Hever Castle commissioned the Hamilton Kerr Institute, part of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, to conduct this research. The wooden panel on which the portrait was painted has been dated to 1583 through dendrochronology, placing it firmly within the reign of Boleyn’s daughter, Elizabeth I. This discovery makes it the earliest scientifically dated panel portrait of Anne Boleyn, a significant milestone in art historical studies.
Dr Emmerson noted that the period during which this portrait was created was marked by “intense political and religious anxiety,” indicating that Boleyn’s image was being actively reshaped in the public consciousness. This context could explain why the artist chose to portray Boleyn in a more humanised light, differing from later depictions that might have leaned more heavily on negative stereotypes.
A More Authentic Representation
Kate McCaffrey, a historian and deputy curator at Hever, suggested that the originally approved pattern for the portrait may have been influenced by earlier images of Boleyn, thereby offering a glimpse into her likeness as she may have been seen during her lifetime. “This newly dated Hever Rose portrait gives a more human impression that preserves an earlier idea of Anne’s image,” she explained, contrasting it with the more distorted representations that emerged in subsequent years.
The Hever Rose portrait will be showcased in an exhibition at Hever Castle starting from 11 February, alongside a collection of other likenesses of Boleyn, providing visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the complexities of her image as it has evolved over time.
Why it Matters
The findings surrounding the Hever Rose portrait are crucial not only for art history but also for understanding the legacy of Anne Boleyn. They illustrate how artistic representation can influence public perception and historical narratives. By shedding light on Boleyn’s likeness during a period of political turmoil, this research allows us to engage with her story in a more nuanced manner, challenging long-held misconceptions and encouraging a re-evaluation of her role in British history. As we continue to uncover the layers of her legacy, it becomes increasingly clear that Boleyn was not just a historical figure marked by her tragic fate, but a woman whose image was carefully crafted and contested through the ages.
