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Primary sourcePaintingc. 1525

Katherine of Aragon

Lucas Horenbout · c. 1525

A circular portrait miniature of Catherine of Aragon painted around 1525, the most securely identified lifetime likeness of her as queen.

This miniature is the most securely identified lifetime portrait of Catherine as queen, painted as her marriage began to be challenged.

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Circular miniature portrait of a woman with brown hair under a light headdress, wearing a red and white gown with a pearl necklace and a gold cross pendant, set against a dark blue background with gold Latin inscriptions reading REGINA, ERIUS, KATHERINA and VXOR.
Lucas Horenbout, Katherine of Aragon, c. 1525. National Portrait Gallery.

About this source

What it is

This is a circular miniature portrait by the artist Lucas Horenbout, painted around 1525. It shows a mature woman wearing a red and white gown, pearls and a gold cross, with Latin inscriptions naming her as queen. It is held today by the National Portrait Gallery.

Why it matters

This is considered the most reliably identified image of Catherine of Aragon made during her own lifetime. It was painted around the time the 'King's Great Matter' - Henry VIII's attempt to end the marriage - was beginning, showing Catherine still at the height of her status as queen.

Look closer

  • What do the clothing and jewellery tell you about her rank?
  • Why might the artist have included Latin words identifying her as queen and wife?
  • What might a portrait miniature like this have been used for?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Catherine of Aragon on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Photograph of a large medieval parchment document with handwritten Latin text in black ink, decorated initial letters, and red wax seal fragments at the top left. Several ornamental knotwork seal or signature designs appear down the left margin.Document

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Verdict of Annulment of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

1533

Detail of an illuminated tournament roll painting. A knight in blue armour with gold trim, on a dark horse with a blue caparison marked with gold letters, charges along a tilt barrier toward the left. Behind, a timber stand with a gold-and-patterned roof holds richly dressed spectators, and a crowned figure sits under a blue starred canopy. Foreground figures in tunics and hats stand near the barrier. Other knights in dark armour appear at the right edge.Painting

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1511 Westminster Tournament Roll

Thomas Wriothesley · 1511

Painting of a young woman with auburn hair parted in the middle, wearing a gold-ribbed bonnet edged with gold, a dark red gown, a white partlet with gold beaded trim, a jeweled gold collar, and long gold chains. A faint gold halo circle appears behind her head against a dark background.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of a Young Woman, possibly Catherine of Aragon

Michael Sittow · c. 1502

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Primary source

Anglica Historia

Polydore Vergil · drafted from 1505, printed 1534

Front cover of a dark green or black bound book with a gold-stamped coat of arms centered on it. The arms show a cardinal's hat with tassels above a shield with crossed keys and a griffin or lion-like creature standing on a base. A tan cloth spine is visible at the left edge.Book

Primary source

The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey

George Cavendish · written c. 1554-1558, first printed 1641

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