The Myth of Henry VIII and the Turkey Leg Painting

When discussing the history of Henry VIII, one often comes across the intriguing image of the king holding a turkey leg. This article aims to dispel the myth and provide accurate historical context about the paintings and their significance.

The Inaccuracies of the Myth

There is a common misconception that a painting exists of Henry VIII holding a turkey leg. However, this image has no basis in reality. Historians have debunked the notion that such a painting exists, and the belief stems from various inaccuracies and misrepresentations.

Giving Credit Where It Is Due

The painting in question is, in fact, by the renowned Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger and shows Henry VIII holding a pair of gloves in his right hand. This painting, A Pendant Portrait of Henry VIII, is held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The incorrect memory might have been influenced by the film "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," where the actor Charles Laughton portrayed Henry VIII as a messy eater of roast chickens, a portrayal that is not historically accurate.

The Actual Painting: Hans Holbein's Portait

Hans Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII, titled A Pendant Portrait of Henry VIII, is a significant piece of historical art. It vividly captures the king in his regal attire, with his left hand on the hilt of his dagger and his right hand holding a pair of leather gloves. This detail is crucial, as it reflects the social and political context of the time, where the image not only depicted the king's regalia but also his readiness for battle.

Other Misconceptions

Another misconception is the supposed existence of a painting where a turkey leg appears in Henry VIII’s right hand. This idea has been fueled by the internet, which abundant photo-shopped versions of the Holbein painting, with a turkey leg replacing the gloves. However, the original painting has survived only in a copy held by the Walker Gallery in Liverpool. The original painting is no longer available for public viewing, making the photo-shopped versions more prevalent online.

Additional Context

It is worth noting that turkeys were indeed brought to England in the late 1520s but were rare and not considered royal food. They did not become common until the late 19th century. Therefore, the depiction of a turkey leg in an historical painting would be anachronistic and historically inaccurate. The most likely image in Holbein’s painting is actually a fan, held by Henry in his right hand, not a turkey leg.

Conclusion

The myth of Henry VIII holding a turkey leg painting is a fascinating example of historical misrepresentation in the modern era. What we often see in media and popular culture may not always align with historical facts. The portrait by Hans Holbein provides an accurate and detailed representation of Henry VIII, and understanding the historical context can help in dispelling these myths.

For those interested in exploring more of the rich historical context of Henry VIII and the art of the Renaissance, a visit to the National Portrait Gallery or the Walker Gallery in Liverpool could provide invaluable insights.