Anthonis Mor | ritratto della regina Maria Tudor

The artist lived for a certain period in Madrid, where the contact with the rigorous Spanish court label definitely fixed his way. Here the artist pointed out a type of portrait that was then appreciated and imitated in many European courts. Sober portraits, without decorations and provided with the minimum necessary, but much more imperial and fascinating. The models of Moore look impassive and careful not to betray any of their feelings, despite the penetrating fixity of the gaze having something convincing. The portrait of Queen Maria Tudor, made without any adulation, but also without the intent of denigration, is a masterpiece of truth and great stylization. Daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, Maria was proclaimed Queen of England in 1553 and restored the Catholic faith in England. Seen the advantages for Spain of a union with England and in the light of the Emperor's refusal to marry her, Maria Tungheria convinced Maria Tudor to marry Prince Philip, 11 years younger than her. They married in Winchester in July 1554. Maria Tudor died in November 1558, while Philip was fighting in France, putting an end to Spanish hopes in this union. Terrible and bloody Maria Tudor, in her determined desire to reintroduce the Catholic in England after the Reformation, relentless against her enemies, here is rigid, impetuous, just leaning on the royal throne. But now she is the Queen of Three Quarters, sitting on a red velvet chair, a symbol of royalty, splendidly embossed, in contrast to the normal chairs of this type. The body of the Queen is placed obliquely compared to the plane of the image, to increase the sense of spatial depth. She holds the red rose of Tudor in her right hand and the gilded gloves of stone in her left hand. She wears a dress with a leaf pattern and a purple overcoat, while the headdress, the bracelets and the belt are storms of pearls and precious stones. On her neck hangs the jewel given to her by Prince Philip. But now she represents Maria in a tense and somewhat rigid pose. Ready to command, the sharp gaze and the tight lips. I challenge anyone to contradict her. Of course, the artist did not improve her rather simple lines, as she wanted the decor appropriate to her rank, but she still has a majestic air that softens her simplicity. With her meticulously detailed brushstroke and the richness of the coloration, the artist has managed to express her strength of character in the face of adversity. In the biography of Moor, Karel van Mander referred to the artist's trip to London in 1554, where he was sent on the order of Charles V to paint Maria Tudor and to the success of the work that resulted. The queen, depicted sitting, almost whole figure, follows the model of the portrait of Julius II of Raphael in 1512 and that of Giovanna d'Aragon in 1518, always of Raphael. If you liked the video, subscribe to the channel, leave a like and share it with your friends. I also invite you to visit my shop. Greetings and see you in the next video of Artesplorando!