Anne of Cleves

This portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger famously sealed the marriage deal between the then 24-year-old Anne and 48-year-old King Henry VIII (yes, THAT Henry VIII). Anne was the second eldest daughter of Duke Johann III of Cleves. After the (natural) death of Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymour, in 1537, the king sought out new brides in European courts. The King commissioned court painter Holbein the Younger to create portraits of Anne and her younger sister Amalia. Henry VIII was delighted by Anne's portrait.

Unfortunately, the real "treachery of images" happened next. When Anne arrived in England, Henry was displeased with the reality of his new bride’s looks compared to the vision promised in Holbein’s portrait. Henry was deeply disappointed. Despite apparently exclaiming, “I like her not! I like her not!” at their first meeting, the pair married on January 6, 1540. Six months and six days later, the pair’s marriage was annulled on grounds of non-consummation.

Anne of Cleves had the shortest of Henry’s six marriages. She lived out the rest of her life in a respected position in court, known as the “King’s Beloved Sister.” She was even invited to Hampton Court Palace for Christmas in 1541 in attendance of Henry’s new wife Catherine Howard, whom he had married 16 days after his marriage with Anne was annulled.

At least she did not die like some of the other wives!

P.S. Delve into the most famous (and the most mysterious!) of Hans Holbein's masterpieces—The Ambassadors! Can you tell what's that odd thing at the bottom of the painting?