Louvre Restores Anne Of Cleves Painting To When Henry VIII First Laid Eyes On It
Image via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
For centuries, Hans Holbein the Younger’s portrait of Anne of Cleves has hung in the Louvre, a muted symbol of a pivotal moment in Tudor history. Commissioned by King Henry VIII in 1539, the painting reportedly swayed the king’s decision to marry Anne, his fourth wife. However, upon meeting her in person, Henry was famously disappointed, leading to a swift annulment.
The recent restoration, the first significant one in the work’s history, has shed new light on this captivating portrait. Years of grime and varnish buildup had dulled the painting’s vibrancy, obscuring the details of Anne’s clothing and jewelry. The painstaking conservation process, elaborately documented by the Louvre's team, reveals a far more dazzling portrayal than previously known.
Gone is the portrait’s formerly muted palette. Anne now emerges from the canvas in a resplendent red velvet gown, the fabric’s texture rendered with remarkable realism—supposedly looking like the way it did when the infamous king first set sight on it. The background, once a dull green, is now a vibrant blue, setting off the richness of her attire.
The revival has also brought Anne’s features into sharper focus. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the glint of her hazel eyes, the delicate folds of her sheer linen cap, and the intricate details of her jeweled headdress.
The restoration has yielded more than just a visual transformation. Scientific analysis has revealed the creator’s underdrawing technique. Traces of a dotted underdrawing, particularly visible in the bodice area, offer a glimpse into Holbein’s creative process.
Art lovers visiting the Louvre can now experience the restored portrait in person at room 811, gaining a deeper appreciation for both the sitter and the painter.
[via Artnet News and Smithsonian Magazine, images via various sources]
