Anne of Denmark
- Artist: John De Critz the Elder
- Date: circa 1606-1608
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 79 3/8 in. x 49 3/4 in. (2016 mm x 1265 mm)
- Portrays: Anne of Denmark
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
In this portrait the viewer sees Queen Anne of Denmark seated comfortably in a chair, her hands resting on an elegant cushion. She wears a richly embroidered gown that drapes across the canvas, and a crown of pearls glints along her brow. Tiny gold hair ornaments cling to her curls, while long earrings dangle over each ear. The artist has captured the sheen of the jewels and the subtle light that bathes her face in oil on canvas, giving depth and calm.
The painting is an oil from 1606‑08 by John De Critz the Elder. It was likely part of a set sent to the Archduke of Austria and reflects the visual style used for Habsburg rulers of the time.
See it in person
Anne of Denmark is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
