ann boleyn: queen lack-head
Ann Boleyn was a commission for a woman that I met at a business women’s conference. The woman was passionate about Boleyn who had become her own personal symbol of strength and perseverance necessary to survive in a man’s world. This painting became a collaboration as I was lead on the discovery of this fascinating heroine.
Ann Boleyn, the second wife of England’s Henry VIII, is remembered for one thing – being beheaded. Like much of history, this is a pale representation of a remarkable woman. Boleyn lead an incredible life and has make many lasting influences in fashion, the Arts, religious reform and politics, providing England with their strongest leader ever, Queen Elizabeth I.
It is easy to see the attraction that Ann had for Henry. She was young, spirited and had a charm and sophistication about her that was remarkable in spite of her lack of physical beauty. She had the unique ability to be accepted into the masculine world of politics – yet still retaining her femininity.
Her personal charm and style was manifested in her clothes which she designed herself to hide her sixth finger. She also had the ability to be a great entertainer at court and her music, dance and theatrics were delightful. She was an individual who was not afraid to be herself and to voice her own opinion in a time when few women stood up for their own rights.
The couple’s first and only living child was Elizabeth. Henry VIII blamed Ann for several miscarriages and began looking for a replacement to Anne. Instead of divorcing the King, and forfeiting her daughters chance to rule England, Anne stood firm and forced Henry to be-head her in order to remarry. Ann walked boldly with pride and grace leaving Elizabeth, her daughter, heir to the throne.
The intensely strong position that Ann held right until the end of her life is quite inspirational. There have been times when I have had a strong position that looked like it was against my own best interest to others and I have remembered the story of Ann Boleyn as one of encouragement to go with our own convictions and know that we are right. There is also nothing stronger than a mother’s love. It doesn’t always look like we think it will but that doesn’t diminish it.
