Detail of Catherine of Aragon

Catherine of Aragon. miniature by Lucas Hornebolte, c.1525-26. Vellum stuck onto a plain card, rectangular, 54.5 x 48 mm, 2 1/8" x 1 7/8".

"This is Catherine at forty, matching a description of her in a report of 1531: 'Her Majesty is not of tall stature, rather small. If not handsome she is not ugly; she is somewhat stout and has always a smile on her countenance' (Calendar State Papers, Venetian, 1527-33, p. 287)."

"This is a particularly striking instance of Hornebolte's style with characteristic bold modelling of the features and pouting scarlet lips. It is unusual in showing the hands; the left arm supporting a pet marmoset on a chain while she holds a morsel of food in her right hand. There is abrasion on the forehead and the costume." (quotes from page 37.)

Image from the book Artists of the Tudor Court: The Portrait Miniature Rediscovered 1520-1620 by Roy Strong (1983). Plate III, Info on Pages #36-37. Victoria and Albert Museum. ISBN 0905209346.