22nd September 2017
Anne of Cleves was born today in 1515. She was the second daughter of John III Duke of Cleves and Maria of Juliers. In the German duchy of Cleves, Anne grew up quietly and traditionally, not gaining the education in courtly skills like music and languages popular elsewhere in Europe. Her father John 'the Peaceful' died, leaving her younger brother William as her ruler. When she was 23 the artist Hans Holbein was dispatched to paint her and her sister Amelia, for King Henry VIII who was looking for his fourth wife. Holbein’s portrait of Anne is the subject of much debate. Holbein’s portrait showed a pretty young woman with fair hair, a doll-like face, delicate eyes, mouth and chin, and a demure, maidenly expression. The king was delighted and the marriage confirmed and Anne set off for England. But alas, Henry was disappointed in his bride, calling her fat and ugly. It is an account of Anne that has endured throughout history yet there were no other contemporary accounts of her repellent looks. It is my belief that Anne, untrained in courtly ways and new to England, was not prepared to meet Henry. He was twice her age, hugely overweight, with a weeping, ulcerated leg, and she is said to have been horrified by his kiss when he surprised her in disguise. Henry thought himself the most handsome man in the kingdom and I imagine Anne’s reaction was a huge blow to his ego. Henry is reported to have found Anne so abhorrent he was unable to consummate the marriage and of course, she has shouldered the blame for his lack of sexual potency. But just look at the portrait. There was one fat, smelly person who was not a virgin in the bed on their wedding night – but I don’t think it was Anne.
Image: Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger, c.1539, Louvre Museum INV. 1348, via Wikimedia Commons