Step into the dazzling world of Tudor England, where art and power intertwine. In Secrets of the Tudor Portraits, Sylvia Barbara Soberton uncovers the hidden stories behind some of the most iconic images of the Tudor period. From the commanding presence of Henry VIII in Hans Holbein’s Whitehall Mural to Elizabeth I’s carefully crafted image as the Virgin Queen, these portraits are more than mere likenesses—they are coded messages, political propaganda and deeply personal reflections of their sitters.
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this book delves into the lives of the courtiers and artists who depicted them. Who were the true masterminds behind these masterpieces? What symbols and secrets lie hidden in plain sight? And how do these portraits continue to shape our understanding of the Tudor dynasty?

Find answers to the following questions:

Who is truly depicted in Michel Sittow’s Vienna portrait—Katherine of Aragon or Mary Tudor?

What became of Hans Holbein’s famous Whitehall Mural?

What can a now-lost portrait of Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk, reveal about her?

Why is Katherine of Aragon portrayed with a deformed jaw in some medals?

What do we know about the Horenbout family, the artists who introduced miniature painting to England?

Is the iconic portrait of Anne Boleyn based on a lost original? What became of her famous “B” necklace?

Who was “Lady Parker” in Holbein’s sketch?

Does the “Lady Bergavenny” portrait actually depict Anne Boleyn?

Why did Jane Seymour choose St. Mary Magdalene as her patron saint?

What do Anne of Cleves’s surviving portraits truly reveal about her appearance?

Could portraits serve as evidence in treason trials?

How did the Tudor monarchs use portraiture to shape their public image?

What evidence suggests that Elizabeth I’s locket ring contains an image of Anne Boleyn?

These and many other questions are answered in Secrets of the Tudor Portraits.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone intrigued by the interplay of power and image, Secrets of the Tudor Portraits offers a captivating journey into a world where every brushstroke tells a story.

Biography & Autobiography