Mary I, Queen of England
painter
Antonis Mor and Workshop
(Utrecht, Netherlands, 1512-1516 - about 1576, Antwerp, Beligum)
Date1554
Place MadeEngland, Europe
MediumOil on oak panel
Dimensions112 x 83 cm (44 1/8 x 32 11/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberP21e22
Status
Not on viewWeb Commentary
Mary Tudor (1516–1558) was the only surviving child of England’s Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Mary became queen in 1553 and married Philip, heir to the kingdom of Spain (later Philip II). Although this portrait was painted as an engagement present for her future husband, Mary looks somber. Given that her marriage was meant to seal an alliance between England and Spain, perhaps it’s appropriate that this portrait emphasizes Mary’s power and status. Antonis Mor was the most successful portraitist of his day. Official portraits were frequently copied to be given away to other rulers and family members. The first version of this painting is now in Madrid.
Id716650
Last Updated8/9/24
EmbARK ObjectID11928
Source ID1080
Object/Provenance
Object/Correspondence
