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Houbraken, Jacob
Catherine Howard, Queen of Henry VIII Catherine Howard, reine d'Henri VIII
Around 1740 v. 1740

Catherine Howard (around 1518–1542) was the fifth queen of Henry VIII and the second to be beheaded. Her infamous death is visually referenced in a similar manner to that of Anne Boleyn (in an engraving Houbraken produced in 1738) as a putto sits beside the Queen’s axed head at the bottom foreground. This detail offers a shocking contrast to the imperial image of Queen Howard, as she poses in royal attire, wears a selection of fine jewelry and calmly looks at the viewer.

Artist Artiste
Houbraken, Jacob
Artist Dates Naissance/décès de l'artiste
Dordrecht, Netherlands 1698-Amsterdam, Netherlands 1780 Dordrecht, Netherlands 1698-Amsterdam, Netherlands 1780
Title Titre
Catherine Howard, Queen of Henry VIII Catherine Howard, reine d'Henri VIII
Date Date
Around 1740 v. 1740
Category Collection
European Historical Art européen ancien
Medium Technique d’expression
Engraving on paper Gravure
Dimensions Dimensions
height / width: 52.90 x 35.50 cm; 20.83 x 13.98 in.
Credit Line Mention de source
Bequest of Adam Shortt, 1969 Legs d'Adam Shortt, 1969
Accession Number Numéro d'acquisition
12-047.064

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