Hidden detail found in Anne Boleyn portrait was ‘witchcraft rebuttal’, say historians
AI Summary
Historians have discovered a hidden detail in the Hever "Rose" portrait of Anne Boleyn, revealing a deliberate effort to counter rumors of witchcraft. Scientific analysis of the late 16th-century painting, located at Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's childhood home, uncovered an underdrawing showing the artist initially followed a standard pattern but then altered it to clearly depict five fingers on each of Anne's hands. This change is interpreted as a "visual rebuttal" to claims that Anne Boleyn had a sixth finger, a common accusation against those accused of witchcraft. The portrait, believed to be painted during the reign of her daughter Elizabeth I, is now considered the earliest scientifically dated panel portrait of Anne Boleyn. The alteration aimed to defend Anne's reputation and, by extension, legitimize Elizabeth's reign.
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