Is the REAL FACE of Katherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, shown in a window in the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge in the guise of the biblical Queen of Sheba, presenting gifts to King Solomon? Several historians have mooted the idea that the window dates to the brief reign of Katherine Howard as Queen consort of England and that as Solomon appears to be modelled after Henry, so the Queen of Sheba might be showing us his most tragic Queen. As we have no confirmed portraits of Katherine Howard created during her lifetime, this would be an important find, if true.
In this art history documentary from History Calling I explore this fascinating historical mystery. I look at the history of the window which we know was commissioned during the reign of Henry VIII and ask, does it date to Katherine Howard’s time as Queen, what is the significance of the H and K initials are on it and the feathers of the Prince of Wales and could it go beyond biblical representation to capture the likeness of a real historical figure? Even if it does, does the Queen of Sheba show Katherine Howard, Catherine Parr, or nobody in particular?
Whether you're a Tudor history buff, an art history enthusiast, or just love a good historical mystery, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of power, identity, and hidden symbolism in early modern England.
Watch to the end to decide for yourself: is this the face of a forgotten queen?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Leo XIV as the Vicar of Christ, the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.