Re-evaluating Holbein's sketch of Anne Boleyn with Emma Demerath.

The Tudor Chest - The Podcast

There are two sketches by Hans Holbein which are said to depict Anne Boleyn. One is in the British Museum, while the other is in the royal collection. The latter sketch is the more controversial, as the sitter is in a state of undress, has what appears to be blonde hair and a decidedly full double chin, and yet, the inscription labelling the sketch as her, is believed to have been added by Sir John Cheke, a man who personally knew Anne Boleyn, or did he? In todays episode of the Tudor Chest podcast, I am chatting to Emma Demerath who recently graduated from John Cabot University in Massachusetts, with a degree in Art History. Emma has discovered holes in many of the conclusions historians have made in relation to this sketch, but moreover, has examined the imagery on its reverse, which may very well hold the key to identifying the actual sitter of the piece.