July 28th 2024.
A renowned art historian has recently made a remarkable discovery in the world of fine art. Adam Busiakiewicz, a British researcher with a keen eye for detail, was casually scrolling through his social media feed when something caught his attention. It was a post shared by Tim Cox, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, featuring a photograph taken at a reception held in Warwick's Shire Hall. While most people would have simply admired the smiling faces in the picture, Busiakiewicz was drawn to the background where he spotted something intriguing – what appeared to be a missing portrait of King Henry VIII.
In a blog post, Busiakiewicz shared his initial thoughts on the painting, which had a distinctively arched top. This reminded him of a series of 22 portraits commissioned by local politician and tapestry-maker Ralph Sheldon in the late 16th century. These portraits were meant to adorn Sheldon's home, Weston House, and featured prominent figures of the time, including royalty. The arched tops of the portraits were a result of their placement in the Long Gallery at Weston. However, over time, these paintings were dispersed and many of them remain unaccounted for.
After making his theory public, Busiakiewicz visited the Shire Hall with local historian Aaron Manning to get a closer look at the painting. Upon examination, he confirmed that it was indeed a part of the Sheldon set, with its frame identical to other surviving examples. The portrait also depicted King Henry VIII holding a sword and wearing a feathered hat, just like in an engraving by antiquarian Henry Shaw. It was a significant discovery, considering that Busiakiewicz had previously identified a portrait by 17th-century female artist Joan Carlile through a picture posted on social media.
In a conversation with CNN, Busiakiewicz shared his fascination with using social media as a tool for art research. He believes that while some people use it to watch cat videos and keep up with the latest news, others like him use it to observe the artwork hanging on people's walls. This particular discovery was brought to the attention of Warwickshire County Council, who confirmed the authenticity of the painting and have since moved it to their Museum Collections Centre for further study.
As for the painter of the portrait, it is believed to be the work of the elusive "Sheldon Master," but no concrete evidence has been found yet. Busiakiewicz is determined to establish the painting's provenance, despite the challenges of tracking down private sales and incomplete records. He is passionate about his work and takes great pleasure in uncovering hidden treasures and shedding light on underappreciated pieces of art.
In the end, it is stories like these that make Busiakiewicz's job all the more fulfilling. For him, studying paintings and their history is not just a profession, but a way of life. He sees it as an opportunity to right historical wrongs and give due recognition to overlooked pieces of art. His dedication and expertise have not only brought a missing portrait of King Henry VIII to light but also shed new light on the fascinating world of fine art.
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