Not Just the Tudors The Secrets Hidden In Tudor Art
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Dec 29, 2025 Delve into the captivating world of Tudor art, where power is expressed through visual propaganda. Discover how pearls and tapestries spoke of ambition, and how portraits shaped royal identities. Uncover the symbolism behind Lady Margaret Beaufort's possessions, and the clever image-making of Henry VII. Explore the role of iconoclasm, the beauty of miniature portraits, and Elizabeth I's evolution into a regal icon. Global influences from the Ottoman Empire and beyond also color this fascinating tapestry of history.
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Art Beyond Portraits
- Tudor "art" includes tapestries, armour, architecture, household objects and parish art, not just portraits.
- Christina Faraday argues patrons expected artworks to communicate socially and politically, not just please the eye.
Henry VII's Visual Branding
- Henry VII used architecture and imagery to build a royal brand and shore up a weak blood claim.
- He placed himself among illustrious ancestors and saints to shape public memory and legitimacy.
Tapestries As Political Statements
- Royal tapestries used real gold and silver thread and were unique to monarchs.
- Monarchs chose tapestry narratives (e.g., Vespasian, David) to invite specific political comparisons.
