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Detail from showing paintings hanging on the wall of Buckingham House

The royal image across the Royal Collection

Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543)

Queen Anne Boleyn (c.1500-1536) c.1533-6

RCIN 912189

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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.