On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02108
- Author
- Mor, Anthonius (Dutch)
- Title
- Mary Tudor, Queen of England, second wife of Felipe II
- Chronology
- 1554
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 109 cm x 84 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Born to Henry VIII and Catharine of
Aragon in 1516, Mary Tudor took the
English throne in 1553. In 1554,
she married Felipe II. She died in
1558. Sitting on a sumptuous
embroidered velvet armchair, the
queen wears a gray dress with a
floral pattern, and a maroon velvet
coat. This rich clothing is in
keeping with her high status, as
are the jewels on her clothing,
head, cuffs and belt. A tear-shaped
pearl pendent hangs from her
collar. Her right hand holds a red
rose that symbolizes the Tudor
family, and the left has a pair of
gloves, which are also a symbol of
distinction.
This portrait combines the
meticulous description
characteristic of Flemish painting
with the majestic distance imposed
by the sitter's dignity, which Mor
masterfully captures in this work
that became a model for later court
portraits.
Before marrying Felipe II, the
queen had been engaged to Carlos V,
who kept this portrait with him
when he retired to the Monastery of
Yuste. It was already mentioned in
the Alcázar Palace in Madrid by
1600.
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