Tudor-f***ing-tastic

Delaroche - The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

An excellent article on 1) the ongoing fascination with Delaroche's painting depicting the execution of Henry VIII's 17 year old wife (above - on show, I think, at the National Gallery), and 2) our cultural fascination with all things tudor. The last paragraph is excellent - Adams suggests that the Tudors offer us a key insight into our own times (David Starkey once described Cromwell as 'Alastair Campbell with an axe'). Delaroche is described as being all too historical (visitors reach for the historical detail in the brochure, instead of standing in awe of the painting). But, surely, there must be something that inclines them to do this, instead of simply walking on....Adams suggests it's all in the dress, and I agree.

http://www.newstatesman.com/art/2010/03/delaroche-painting-tudor-jane