Katherine Parr
- Artist: Master John
- Date: circa 1545
- Medium: oil on panel
- Dimensions: 71 in. x 37 in. (1803 mm x 940 mm)
- Portrays: Katherine Parr
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
"Katherine Parr"
This portrait shows the sixth wife of Henry VIII, a queen whose reign lasted only a few months. The artist – Master John – painted oil on panel around 1545, using gold and silver leaf with glazes to make her gown look like real cloth of tissue. Notice the crown‑shaped brooch at her chest; it matches an inventory record of her jewels, which helped scholars confirm the sitter is Katherine, not Lady Jane Grey.
Her sleeves are lined in lynx fur – another luxurious detail Master John rendered with painstaking detail. The background holds a carpet pattern and a small bouquet of flowers, typical of Tudor court portraits. Around the edges you can see faint gold threadwork that echoes the royal insignia.
Katherine was Henry’s last queen, promoted religious reform, served as regent‑general during his campaign in France, and published “Prayers or Meditations” in 1545 – the first book by an English queen. This painting gives us a glimpse of her status and style at the height of Tudor court life.
See it in person
Katherine Parr is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
