2:32 pm
June 30, 2009
Hi All,
I am a new member and just wanted to comment on the Ludlow portrait. I belong to the A.B. yahoo group and they have this portrait on their splash page. I don't think it was a contemporary portrait but done a hundred years or more after A.B.'s death. If any of your belong to that group, you might want to ask the admin. about it.
Re: the six finger speculation—I have read the full report on Anne's remains and NO sixth finger is mentioned as being present on the skeleton, so if there was any type of vestigial finger, it was a fleshy appendage possibly growing out of the pinky finger and not part of the bone structure.
Re: Wedding rings—in some European countries (like Spain and also Germany), they often wear their wedding rings on their right hands.
LadyAnne
Hi LadyAnne,
Thanks for that info, I'll have to check out that yahoo group.
I get really fed up with the whole six finger myth (and the witch myth etc.) and I know that people have said that this is still spread round by tourist attractions like the Tower of London (I suppose it's interesting for tourists!) but yes you're right, the Victorians found no sixth finger when they discovered Anne's body and reburied her. I guess that these types of myths make Anne sound interesting to the general public when, in fact, she was interesting enough just as she was!
Thanks for posting and I hope that you're enjoying the site.
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
Just found a few photos of the portrait on The Anne Boleyn Regina yahoo group which were put on there a few years ago. I think this is where Emma found them. The photos show the portrait surrounded by rolled up rugs leaning against the wall! There's no info with the photos unfortunately.
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
Just read something interesting about wedding rings and fingers:-
\”Placing it on Mary's left thumb, he said \”In the name of the Father\”; on the second finger, saying, \”and of the Son\”; on the third finger, saying, \”and of the Holy Ghost\”; then finally on the fourth finger of her left hand, where it would remain, saying, \”Amen\”. The fourth finger of the left hand had become the finger on which the wedding ring was worn because it was believed that a certain vein ran from that finger to the heart.\” Josephine Wilkinson, writing about Mary Boleyn and William Carey.
So, the left hand – interesting!
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
Ah … so lots of others have been discussing our Ludlow portrait. Oh dear! And we were thinking it was our very own discovery! Actually, it is mentioned today on the Tudortalk Yahoo group as well – but citing this website as source and inviting comments. It's becoming all a bit chicken and egg. Sad to learn that it is likely not a contemporary portrait, either. (I was always a bit worried about those lips, though – they are normally firmly shut in portraits of this kind.)
Interesting, though, if it was painted after her death – an indication that her popularity (or notoriety) never diminished, and might actually have been in the process of growing as time went on.
SR
Hi Sarah,
It is still quite interesting though,
I had a look at where Ludlow is, its well outside Birmingham and not great with public transport.
I am not a million miles away and would take a drive over from Ireland by ferry to have a look.
If anyone can confirm its whereabouts? The Ludlow Castle Lodge is up for sale a steal at £1.6M.
If the portrait is getting in the way, I shall take it out of their way!
Paudie.
If it was not this, then it would be something else?
There's a review on Ludlow Castle Lodge at http://travel.ciao.co.uk/Castl…..w__7195130 which mentions the portrait, location and address. It looks like it's right in the middle of Ludlow. That would be so brilliant if you could go, Paudie, but I know you're a busy man so don't feel you have to! You could make a weekend of it and see some other historic places in the Midlands like Ludlow Castle, Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle etc.
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
I would go over a weekend, sometime in the next month or six weeks. Read up a bit on the guy who owns the lodge, he is a bit miffed that he could not turn it into a hotel and get some return on the investment. Ludlow is a bit off the beaten track, it must be difficult to make a shilling there I think.
Such a lot of history there though, maybe the National Trust will pick up on it or the local council in Ludlow? The lodge would seem to be a potential tourist attraction for them, maybe they have not seen that yet?
I have been near there before…
I went to a Rock festival with the Rolling Stones playing near Dublin once, got too drunk and hitched a ride back to Dublin with a busload of very pretty girls, fell asleep and woke up in Wales! Now that I think about it, that girl never wrote, not even once? Just as well I have given up drinking!
Paudie
If it was not this, then it would be something else?
It must have been rather a long sleep, Paudie!!
It is a shame about the Lodge – I too read about the chap not being able to get grants etc. to help do it up and maintain it. It must be a nightmare to take on an historical property that needs so much upkeep. I too have been to Ludlow but as a child, not recently. Have fun there!
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
sarah,
like your thinking!!!
I am too spontaneous sometimes for my own good, overall not a bad quality I do think?
Claire said in an earlier post that the painting was photographed next to some rolled up rugs.
If this is so, I will try at least to get Anne on the wall in a prominent place of her deserving.
(right plonk under the skylight where we can easily rescue her!!!)
When I have a better idea of when \”impulsive me\” will go there, I shall post.
If anyone would like to join me there, they would of course, be most welcome.
I don't own a helicopter, but do have a quite fast car, getaway assured!
And we would have someone on the inside…
Ludlow Lodge is supposed to be haunted by Catherine of Aragon, after 500 years I think we can depend on her help, we would be doing her a favor, perhaps?
all jokes aside, I would really like to see the painting and from what I read, Ludlow seems a nice place. I will start making enquiries tomorrow.
Paudie.
If it was not this, then it would be something else?
Ooooh, I'm having visions of Mission Impossible now – humming Mission Impossible music – this forum will self destruct in 5 seconds!
We just need to know a bit more about the painting (if the owner knows) and a decent photo – I know Paudie is a photographer so that's ok. Of course, we could kidnap an art historian too and take them along!
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
Mmmm….
Same hair color as that squirrel has me, good find and so funny that video!
rather think that I would have the Austin Powers music playing rhough as I \”Forest Gump\” my way through Wales to Ludlow!
I had a manic day also and did not have a chance to look anything up, but will start the planning tonight, see if I can get there this month.
all excited of course, as I'm sure you all are for me?
If you have any info that would help me Claire (or anyone?), can you please mail it to me.
Paudie.
If it was not this, then it would be something else?
6:59 am
July 7, 2009
Hi there, this is definatly not a contemporary portrait as there are none in existance. This is based on the national portrait gallery painting (which is a copy itself from a lost original)
I think it was painted by or comissioned by an Anne 'fan' who wanted to maybe set some things straight (six finger issue). it wouldnt surprise me if it is a recent painting either which ludow lodge have decided to hang in their building, done by an obscure artist, thats why its not anywhere on google.
Its a shame and would of been a fantastic discovery but alas we will have to keep searching for our true image of Anne the Queen.
340 views,
how popular this blog is,
a good \”whodunit\” or who painted it mystery, eh?
I have been stuck at work day and night for the last week with a troublesome machine and am just getting back to my own life again.
The joys of being self employed.
Before this, I did manage to see ferry times from Dublin to wales, its not so bad a trip.
I also found the most amazing hotel in Ludlow, \”The Feathers\”
have a look at the link:
The Feathers Hotel Ludlow on AboutBritain.com
But on my arrival in Ludlow, I don't know if the Lodge is open? What days and times it is open?
Even if the painting is on view?
So, my fellow \”Secret Squirrels \”…
Help!
If it was not this, then it would be something else?
Hi Paudie,
I'd definitely check with the Lodge before you go, I got this from Google:-
Castle Sq
Ludlow, SY8 1AY
01584 873628
and I got the following info from http://www.touruk.co.uk/shrops…..ludlow.htm but I'm not sure how up to date it is:-
Castle Lodge, Castle Square, Ludlow, tucked up against the walls of Ludlow Castle, this Elizabethan town mansion is said to have more oak panelling than any other house in England. Dates from the 13th century and rebuilt in 1580, in Tudor times it was home to Elizabeth I's Master of Requests. The privately owned house is still inhabited and was reopened to the public in 1999. Spread over 3 floors, the sparsely decorated rooms have ornamental ceilings, doors and 14th century fireplaces. In the upper rooms is an exhibition detailing Ludlow's history.
Open: daily 10:00 17:00 Tel: 01584 878098
Good luck Squirrel Commander, may the force be with you!
Debunking the myths about Anne Boleyn
4:22 pm
August 22, 2009
Looking at some art websites, it appears that the inscription 'Etatis sue' means the the age of the sitter when their portrait was taken. The inscription appears in some of Holbein's portraits, as described in this article: http://www.artdaily.com/index……_new=32594
So, 'Etatis sue 31' implies that Anne was 31 years old in the Ludlow portrait, which fits in with the theory that Anne was born in 1501 and was 35 at her death.
Hello everyone, by the way. I've just discovered this forum. I've loved Anne Boleyn for many years and I look forward to posting here often.
1 Guest(s)