Art Collections Online
The Family of Henry VIII: an Allegory of the Tudor Succession
HEERE, Lucas de (1534 - 1584)
Media: oil on panel
Size: 131.2 x 184.0 cm
Acquired: 1991; Gift; Accepted by H.M. Government in lieu of inheritance tax
Accession Number: NMW A 564
This picture celebrates the harmony established by Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth is on the right, holding the hand of Peace and followed by Plenty. Her father Henry VIII, the founder of the Church of England, sits on his throne, and passes the sword of justice to his Protestant son Edward VI. On the left are Elizabeth’s Catholic half-sister and predecessor Mary I and her husband Philip II of Spain, with Mars, the God of War. The picture, a gift from Queen Elizabeth to Sir Francis Walsingham, exemplifies the 16th century's fascination with allegory, the Queen's vision of herself as the culmination of the Tudor dynasty and her concern with the legitimacy of her regime.
Lucas de Heere came to London from Ghent in the late 1560s, one of many Flemish Protestant artists and craftspeople to flee religious persecution. This painting was accepted under the 'in lieu in situ scheme'. It was purchased by J.C.Dent at the sale of the collection of Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, in 1842.
Comments - (22)
Do you know anything about the text framing the painting?
"A face of mvche nobillitye in a litle roome, /
Fowr states with theyr conditions heare shadowed in a showe /
A father more than valyant. A rare and vertvvs soon. /
A zealvs davghter in her kynd what els the world dothe knowe / And last of all a vyrgin qveen to Englands joy we see,/
Successyvely to hold the right and vertves of the three."
Thank you very much for your answer!
Thank you for your comment.
This painting would be classified as a dynastic portrait and it's in the style of the 16th Century Dutch school.
If you are analysing the meaning of the painting, you could look at some of the symbolism (such as the 'sword of justice' and other items that the subjects are carrying) or the positioning of the different subjects within the painting - who is the most prominent? Who is the 'next in line'?
Another theme to explore could be the textiles in the painting - are they wearing clothes from their own period from history? Are some wearing historical costumes? Why would they choose to do this? What kind of messages are they putting across by wearing silk, velvet, gold and jewels?
In terms of textures and detail - having seen this painting in person I always wonder whether some of the techniques e.g. the intricate perspective of the patterned rug, is the artist showing off their technical expertise, as well as showing off the wealth of the portrait's subject.
Thanks again for your enquiry and best of luck with your assignment from Wales!
Sara
Digital Team
Dear Josh,
Thank you for your enquiry, apologies for the delay in responding but we have been trying to locate further information for you. Unfortunately our collections don't hold much in the way of pre-18th century costume so we aren't able to help with this. I would suggest contacting Historic Royal Palaces, or email curators@hrp.org.uk who should have far more knowledge of this sort of thing.
Thank you for your interest,
Graham Davies
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Could it have something to do with the supremacy of Elizabeth in the painting? Also, what time period is Mary's dress from?
Thank you,
Josh
Dear Bob, thanks for getting in touch. This work is currently on display in the Art Wales (1550-1700) Gallery at the National Museum Cardiff.
If you intend to visit, please ring beforehand as some of our services are currently affected by industrial action. (03 June 2016)
Thanks,
Graham Davies
Digital Team
Update:
Hi Justine,
A colleague from the Department of Art has been in touch with the following: "The background view past the pillars on the left of the painting is thought to represent the Palace of Whitehall, the main residence of the English and British monarchy between 1530 and 1698 when it was destroyed by fire."
All the best and thanks again for your enquiry,
Sara
Digital Team
Hi Justine,
Thanks for your question - it's a really interesting one! I'll pass it on to the Department of Art and post their reply. I might even pop down to the gallery to have a look myself!
Sara
Digital Team