Art historian with an interest in visual messages
Hilary Mantel emphasized that novels should raise questions rather than provide answers, illustrated through her portrayal of Thomas Cromwell and Holbein's art. Cromwell’s rise amid Tudor court politics is detailed alongside Holbein’s contributions, reinforcing both the artistry and historical significance of their relationship, while reflecting the intricate dynamics of power and identity during that era.
Dame Hilary Mantel DBE FRSL. Source Wikipedia. Immediate source: https://us.macmillan.com/author/hilarymantel In June 2024 The Wolf Hall Weekend will celebrate Dame Hilary Mantel's magnificent trilogy describing Thomas Cromwell’s rise and fall as Henry VIII's chief administrator at the beautiful 16th century Cadhay House, Devon.[1] Sir Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch’s superb biography of Cromwell, published in 2018, was described… Continue reading Celebrating Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall Trilogy
Articles in various publications have looked at Franny Moyle’s suggestion that Holbein left clues regarding the identification of one of his sitters of his miniatures being of Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anna, Duchess of Cleves and not Katherine Howard as suggested by George Vertue writing in the 18th century. The recent article about Moyle’s theory… Continue reading How we know the Tudor Royals from 1485 – 1558; and who painted them.
Today we are used to seeing the English royals on TV, in photos on social media, and on the front of our newspapers. Back in the 16th century the royal family were rarely seen in public, therefore their faces were mostly unknown except by the social elite of the court. If I were to ask… Continue reading Thomas Cromwell (1495-1540): Creator of the “Tudor Brand”
Melanie V Taylor 