Portraits of a Queen: Anne of Cleves

portraits-of-a-queen

 

Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII and many say the most lucky of his six wives. Anne was born in 1515 to John III, Duke of Cleves and Maria of Jülich-Berg in Düsseldorf, Germany. She and her sister Amelia were both considered as a future wife to Henry VIII – Anne was the lucky one. Lucky in the sense that it got her out of Germany and into a more free life in England. After her marriage with Henry was annulled Anne stayed in England for the rest of her life and lived very comfortably.

by Cornelis Martinus Vermeulen, after Adriaen van der Werff, after Hans Holbein the Younger line engraving, published 1707; NPG D10543
by Cornelis Martinus Vermeulen, after Adriaen van der Werff, after Hans Holbein the Younger line engraving, published 1707; NPG D10543
Portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, c. 1539. Oil and Tempera on Parchment mounted on canvas, Musée du Louvre, Paris.

 

Holbein the younger, Hans; Anne of Cleves (1515-1557); Brighton and Hove Museums and Art Galleries; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-15151557-74331
Holbein the younger, Hans; Anne of Cleves (1515-1557); Brighton and Hove Museums and Art Galleries; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-15151557-74331

 

Bruyn the elder, Bartholomaeus; Anne of Cleves (1515-1557), Queen Consort to Henry VIII ; Trinity College, University of Cambridge; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-15151557-queen-consort-to-henry-viii-134673
Bruyn the elder, Bartholomaeus; Anne of Cleves (1515-1557), Queen Consort to Henry VIII ; Trinity College, University of Cambridge; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-15151557-queen-consort-to-henry-viii-134673

 

Richard Burchett (1815–1875) (studio of)
Parliamentary Art Collection

 

Bruyn the elder, Bartholomaeus; Anne of Cleves; Oxford College Anon II, University of Oxford; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-223303
Bruyn the elder, Bartholomaeus; Anne of Cleves; Oxford College Anon II, University of Oxford; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/anne-of-cleves-223303

 

http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/6th-january-1540-henry-viii-married-anne-cleves/
http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/6th-january-1540-henry-viii-married-anne-cleves/

 

Portrait_of_Anne_of_Cleves_by_Wenceslaus_Hollar_1642
Portrait of Anne of Cleves by Wenceslaus Hollar 1642

 

Holbein, Hans, born 1497 – died 1543 (painter) Copyright: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2016. All Rights Reserved

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Anne of Cleves History

8 Comments Leave a comment

  1. I have read of the inquiry sent by the court not seen the document itself…but I presume you can find it in the History of Parliment on line….Where I founnd his illegitimate son Harry/William ap Rhys born after field of cloth of gold 1521 to Laundress and most likely 3rd cousin Beatrice ap Rhys husband Daffid son of Sir Rhys ap Thomas. You will see that Harry was groomed and had his education at Durham Priory paid from Princess Mary Tudor’s household expenses…also on line. He received at least 2 or 3 Manor homes at Medmenham from Mary. His Patent for Hearldry was granted May 2, 1555 during her reign. His sister Mary ap Rhys received from the Princess several yards of white silk for her wedding gown and she was born to Beatrice 1530. Henry Tudor hand selected Bedatrice from the staff of Sir Rhys ap Thomas and Lady Rhys who was with them at the field of cloth of gold. Book forthcomming. DCR

  2. Her reply to the court was very telling: “I have had no son by his Majesty” The bloodline my father relied upon when he chose my mother came from twin daughters Lucy and Elizabeth born 1541. The year the marriage was annuled. Once you see the faces of we children with 3 lines of Tudor descent split between mother and fathers the dopple gangers will leave you at least amazed. D.Charles Rice 1948 descendant of Lucy and Elizabeth Chalfant 1541

    • Where can I see these supposed letters? I just re-shared my post the other day on Facebook about whether or not she had children with Henry VIII after their marriage was annulled.

      • These letters indicate little more than Henry VIII was concerned about Anne’s *potential* pregnancy, as he should have been as a monarch. Although Henry knew very well the child couldn’t be his, unwarranted rumors, if believed by sufficient of his subjects would inevitably throw doubt upon the legitimate line of succession. Even today, we can see how such rumors live on.

  3. She was the luckiest. She got a castle, tons of money and freedom to do whatever she wanted. She also remained friendly with the King and his daughters. She was also invited to court. That I would say would be better than living in Germany or being married to the King. She knew enough that she would lose everything if she married. I would say she was the most intelligent and had a lot of common sense.

  4. Great paintings. Never have seen a lot of them. She may not have been a classic beauty, but she wasn’t unattractive. I think that she probably felt pretty lucky that she could have a great life and be independent. She must have been a very smart woman. She did quite well for herself.

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