Monday, February 3, 2014

Another wife for Henry


While the Anne Boleyn canvas takes a back seat, awaiting a trip to my LNS for more supplies, I've begun work on Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife.  This design was based on two portraits I found, one called the Dynasty Portrait by Hans Holbein and the other The Family of Henry VIII by an unknown artist.  Both works are in the royal collection at Hampton Court Palace.

Unlike her predecessor, who favored a headdress in the style known as a French hood, Jane wears an English gabled hood.  The portion framing her face was stitched with Petite Very Velvet V643 with a veil of black PVV.  Her hair was stitched with two strands of Burmilana and her face, neck and hands in DMC cotton floss.

Right now, poor Jane is looking a little plain with solid blocks of color for her court dress.  But I have plans for filling in those areas, so stay tuned!

2 comments:

Needle Nicely said...

Varying the headdresses is a great idea! Really gives them individuality.

Anne Stradal said...

Based on the portraits I've been using, the wives did a good job of expressing their own individuality. The preference for English gable vs. French hood is split three-three.