King Edward VI

Sitterback to top

• King Edward VI (1537-1553), Reigned 1547-53. Sitter associated with 45 portraits.

Artistback to top

• William Scrots (active 1537-1553). Artist associated with 6 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait of Edward was painted when he was nine, a year before he became king. He is shown in distorted perspective (anamorphosis), a technique designed to display the virtuosity of the painter and amaze the spectator. This painting was originally in the Royal Collection at Whitehall, until sold in 1649 for £2. When viewed from the right it is seen in correct perspective.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Tudor Portraits Resource Pack, p. 20
• Cooper, Tarnya, Searching for Shakespeare (hardback), 2006 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 2 March - 29 May 2006), p. 41
• Cooper, Tarnya, Searching for Shakespeare, 2006 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 2 March - 29 May 2006), p. 41
• Gittings, Clare, The National Portrait Gallery Book of The Tudors, 2006, p. 17
• MacLeod, Catharine, Tudor Portraits in the National Portrait Gallery Collection, 1996, p. 20
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 195
• Simon, Jacob, The Art of the Picture Frame: Artists, Patrons and the Framing of Portraits in Britain, 1997 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 November 1996 - 9 February 1997), p. 150
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 88

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Painting the Boy King: New Research on Portraits of Edward VI (24 May 2008 - 7 December 2008)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Landscapes
• On display at the Gallery
• Tudors and Elizabethans tour