Secrets of the Tudor Archives

Hear from a scholar whose recent discoveries in British archives have transformed our understanding of these artists and their royal sitters.

What comes to mind when we think of the Tudor court? Splendor, drama, power? Artists like Hans Holbein and Nicholas Hilliard have indelibly shaped our image of this tumultuous time. During this conversation, hear from a scholar whose recent discoveries in British archives have transformed our understanding of these artists and their royal sitters.

Elizabeth Cleland, Curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Met
Elizabeth Goldring, author
Adam Eaker, Associate Curator, European Paintings, The Met


Female figure with long, dark hair and blue skin stands assertively, eyes wide and tongue out. Her multiple arms hold a sword and severed head, and she wears a necklace and belt of body parts.
Wrathful images of the divine in South Asia are meant to protect and nurture, not to be feared.
Vaishnavi Patil
March 9
Silver fish sculpture with emerald green eyes, lifelike scales, and visible details.
How do these exquisite examples of Judaica represent universal themes related to special days in the Jewish calendar?
Riva Arnold
February 20
A warm pastel sketch depicts a woman and a child reading a book on an armchair.
Discover how Wilson’s illustrations for children’s literature emphasized the importance of representation.
Jeary Payne and Jason Reynolds
January 22
More in:On ViewPortraiturePower & Privilege