Is this the real face of Anne Boleyn?

A computer science team has proposed that a previously unidentified sketch within a renowned collection of Tudor portraits could be the true likeness of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Boleyn, who was queen from 1533 until her execution in 1536, has long been a figure of fascination due to the absence of confirmed contemporary portraits. The team used facial recognition technology to analyze the drawings, suggesting that one sketch, traditionally believed to depict Boleyn’s mother, Elizabeth Howard, might actually represent Anne Boleyn herself. The discovery is significant because no authenticated painted portraits of Anne Boleyn from her lifetime are known to exist, leaving historians reliant on later artistic interpretations and written descriptions. Dr. Charlotte Bolland, senior curator at the National Portrait Gallery, highlights the challenges in confirming Boleyn’s image, noting that her brief reign and possible deliberate destruction of her likenesses complicate efforts to establish a definitive portrait. While some experts, including Dr. Bendor Grosvenor, accept the traditional labeling of the sketch as Elizabeth Howard, others argue it may have been misidentified, fueling ongoing debate. The research team’s use of machine learning and facial recognition technology aims to provide an objective tool to resolve these historical uncertainties. This approach compares multiple drawings within the Tudor collection to identify consistent facial features, potentially isolating a genuine depiction of Anne Boleyn. However, the application of such technology in art history is still controversial, as it raises questions about accuracy and interpretation when applied to centuries-old artwork rather than modern photographic images. If validated, this method could revolutionize art historical research by offering a new way to authenticate and analyze portraits where traditional evidence is scarce or ambiguous. The findings underscore the enduring intrigue surrounding Anne Boleyn’s appearance and the broader challenges of reconstructing historical identities through art.