Anne Boleyn (c.1500-1536)

This portrait probably depicts Anne Boleyn (1501–36), the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. This portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) was drawn in preparation for a painted portrait which has not survived. In Holbein's chalk drawing Anne Boleyn is depicted simply dressed with an under cap and night gown edged in fur. The real detail of the portrait is focused on capturing the features of the sitter, which are delicately rendered in chalk.