Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture
Department
Art
First Advisor
Piper Hutson
Second Advisor
Esperanca Maria Camara
Third Advisor
Steven Cody
Abstract
This paper explores the intricate relationship between queenship, gender, and political representation as depicted in Hans Holbein’s portraits of Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, two wives of Henry VIII. By analyzing these works within the framework of Tudor England's gender dynamics, we can better understand how Holbein’s portraits transcend mere artistic expression to serve as critical commentaries on the roles of women in a predominantly patriarchal society. Recent scholarly trends emphasize the significance of gender in the interpretation of historical art, revealing how these portraits reflect, challenge, and reinforce the societal constructs of their time. This study focuses on Holbein’s portrayal of each queen, illustrating how he not only represents them as individual figures but also frames them as potent symbols within the Tudor legacy. By examining the technical and thematic nuances of Holbein's work, this paper will uncover the layered narratives regarding femininity and power embedded in these portraits. Through a comparative analysis of the expectations placed upon women during the Tudor period, I will decode the implicit messages within their depictions, thereby revealing how Holbein's artistry functions as both a personal and political statement, significantly contributing to the enduring legacy of Henry VIII's wives.
In examining Holbein's portraits of Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, it becomes evident that each painting serves not only as a likeness of the subjects but also as a complex commentary on their respective roles within the royal court. Holbein's meticulous attention to detail, from the elaborate costumes to the carefully chosen backgrounds, reflects the societal expectations and political nuances of queenship during the Tudor era.
Recommended Citation
Chernenko, Kateryna, "Framing Queenship: Gender, Power, and Political Representation in Holbein’s Portraits of Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves" (2025). Theses. 1398.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1398
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Women's History Commons