If like me, you developed a passion for history after
watching the PBS specials about Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in the 70’s, the current
Tudor exhibit at The Met is a must see.
It’s a large exhibit with pieces borrowed from all sorts of
places. Although this rare doublet is
from the Met’s collection.
It is anchored by several full-length portraits of Elizabeth
I in sumptuous attire.
This one is the earliest.
It’s from a private collection.
Can you imagine? I wonder whose.
This Holbein drawing of Anne Boleyn is on loan from the
British Royal family as were several other pieces. They have a very impressive art collection.
Portraits are on display of practically the entire family. Here’s baby brother Edward VI – king at nine,
dead at 16.
And, here’s Mary Tudor – Henry’s sister – briefly Queen of
France.
There’s even a portrait of one of Elizabeth’s rejected
suitors – the Duke of Alencon. He may have
been the Queen of France’s son, but he was also only 23 when he courted the 45-year-old
queen. She was apparently quite fond of
him. But not fond enough to share her
power.
I had expected the exhibit to include the pretty Henry VIII armor
that normally holds a place of honor in the armory section of the Met, but didn’t
expect to see several other examples of his armor. I should have checked to see who the
collector was who donated them to the Met.
But perhaps the most surprising thing I learned at the
exhibit was that Hans Holbein the Younger not only created sublime portraits he
also created decorated arts and he designed this armor.
As well as this cup for Jane Seymour.
The exhibit runs through January 6, 2023 so there’s still
time for locals to check it out.
Enjoy!
PJ
© 2022 PJ Lehrer
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