Hey everyone! @hot mechanic pointed out that I misspoke. Thank you for pointing this out! Lady Jane Grey was married to Guildford Dudley in 1553, not 1533. I apologize for the slip up!
It really hits you how dark the Tudor era was when the guy helping her to the block and the executioner are depicted as sympathetic/empathetic, paternal and compassionate figures
@@RichardParker2008 It's well-documented from writings of the period people did not see the need for this girl's execution and saw their new Queen Mary as brutal for demanding it.
@@RichardParker2008 @RichardParker2008 Yes of course, but as another user said, there was sympathy for Jane Grey at her time, and she was gently helped to the block, in stark, depressing contrast to how she was abused my her own parents. Another incident that stuck with me is Anne Boleyn's execution, when the swordsman pretended to call for his sword so she thought she had a few more moments to live, when he actually had it in his hands and did the deed with one quick strike while she was unaware. A small mercy, but more than her own husband gave her
@@junepassingthrouthegate8810 probably, sorry english isn't my first language
2 года назад+4529
I always found Jane Grey's story so sad. All she wanted was minding her business and read her books. Also, that execution is a sneak peak of what Bloody Mary would later become.
@@ChristinaStarlight To stay as a rallying point for those who rebelled against her rule. No monarch can suffer a pretender. And many kings of England end up executed or...ahem accidently dying in their prison cell.
Both of them suffered for the bad choices their fathers made: Mary, thanks to Henry's lust, pride, disobedience, I could go on...and Lady Jane, for her father's part in the insurrection.
People please check the real history. Lady Janes parents, especially her father got her killed. She was “Queen” for 9 days, both she & Guilford Dudley were forced to marry. Somehow the Father was not kept under arrest. Mary understood that Lady Jane was innocent & was going to release her. Her Father decided to form another treasonous attack & put Lady Jane back on the throne. Phillip II who was soon to marry Queen Mary, insisted that this threat to her throne be crushed. Queen Mary bears the ultimate responsibility but Janes stupid power hungry Father who didn’t give a crap about his daughter beyond the power she could bring to her family hurried Jane to the executioners block.
Actually, she saw it as her duty, and Mary tried to convince her to renounce her cause and accept Catholic rule, and she refused knowing that it would leave Mary no choice but to execute her. People need to stop robbing her of her agency. She was very brave and stoic, and should not be looked upon with pity.
@@ANPC-pi9vu Well said. Jane was a pawn, but she also chose her path to a certain extent. She could have chosen to publicly accepted Catholicism and lived as a Catholic. It is what Elizabeth did, although Elizabeth had her own ways of dealing with treading the line. I get Jane did not believe in the teachings of Catholicism, but I also think Elizabeth was on the right track in say there is one Lord Jesus Christ, one faith and the rest is a dispute over trifles. However, I respect Jane felt she could not do that, and did not renounce her beliefs.
Ryouko. She did commit treason. Parliament gave Henry VIII the legal power to determine the succession, not Edward VI. Without an act of Parliament Edward VI could not declare Jane his successor. Her taking on the title of Queen of England and signing herself Queen was illegal.So she committed the crime of treason. She admitted as much on the scaffold, even though she was not the instigator of the treason It was also the reason Mary did not execute her straight away. Had her father not got involved in another rebellion against Mary, then it likely Mary would not have executed her. But that is the problem- once you commit treason you open yourself to peril when others act on your behalf later. I think she is a tragic figure, but she also was not totally innocent.
If her ambitious parents had the son her mother in particular wanted so badly...and that son had lived...or if Edward had lived to a healthy adulthood, Jane might have had a much happier life. They only focused on her because there was no male to pin their hopes on. And as a woman, family duty and obedience was seen as her only option. Sad. Sex has been the justification for a great deal of injustice throughout human history.
I think it's so haunting because of its soft and delicate depiction of an innocent girl taking her own execution with the amount of grace that only a queen would have.
Lady Jane Grey was very well educated and much more adult than one would have expected. Horrible Histories the BBC kids' TV show did a funny sketch about the poor girl, but anyone who knows her story can only be moved by it.
To think that they actually led this young girl to a block & took her life in such a grotesque way.....is both surreal & deeply chilling....not much of the humane in humanity far too often. Love your work.
@@silvergust It wasn't unnecessary, even though it was tragic. Mary did not want to execute her but could not persuade the pious Jayne to disavow her cause as she believes it was her duty as a Protestant. Likewise, Mary was the protector of the Catholic church, trying to put down the Protestant uprisings and resenting what her father had done. They both had respectable reasons for their positions, so her only option was to put Jayne to death.
@@myriamickx7969 You are overlooking the fact that Protestants had been burning down Cathedrals all across the kingdom. Mary was doing what she must as a devout Catholic of her station in that time and place.
I remember learning about this painting in college. From there, my research on the Tudor family continued. It amazes me how violent Henry Viii was and how his anger seemed to trickle down to other members of the Tudor family. Like a generational curse.
He was not like that at first. He was a beautiful and respected young man who, during many contests fell from his horse and received multiple head injuries. It seems that brain trauma impaired his judgement and self co trol.
But Elizabeth I was a good ruler though. I think Mary I was that way because of how Henry treated her. He didn't even allow her to come to her mother's funeral
@@k.999 Unless you refused to convert to the new Church of England and wanted to remain Catholic. And watched your life erode or end up executed because her father wanted to bone someone new. Elizabeth is one of those glossed over individuals who gets praise for a Golden Age. A Golden Age because of luck with the weather and calling all those she executed traitors rather than religious opponents. Except for Henry VII, the entire Tudor line deserves the moniker "Bloody" Especially Henry VIII Mary when you study her is much more depressing than Bloody. A sad depressing story of a woman trying to continue her dynasty and get what she felt her suffering owed.
@@als3022 I'd also wager the anti-catholic sentiment of the Elizabethan Anglicans was due to the shitstorm that Mary put non-Catholics(seeing as both Protestants and Anglicans were the targets) through So, not fully the workings of Lizzy, pretty sure a chunk of Anglicans and Protestants wanted retribution
I saw this painting as a teenager and when I walked into the gallery I was dumb struck by it’s beauty. It’s so large, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It really moved me and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. In fact, my daughter has just started an art history course and I was telling her about it earlier this week. I think my phone was listening because this just arrived in my recommendations.
It's amazing how much more striking art (and many other things) can be when seen in person. And they're pretty striking in photos already. I remember being impressed that way by the Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) at the Cloisters Museum in NYC. It took my breath away.
Thank you for this one. I know about Lady Jane Grey and have always found it a haunting, deplorable story. This painting, while not historically accurate, expresses the hopelessness and pathos of the events. I am not an "art person," but I enjoy many of your presentations.
I love this painting of Jane and as someone who has dedicated the last three years to writing every school essay about her story I truly appreciate the thought and study put into this video! Amazing work as always! Thank you for inspiring and entertaining myself and so many others!
This painting has great emotional significance to my husband and me. We fell in love with it in London and even got a small print of it framed. Then decades later, we were visiting New York and suddenly walked into a room where it was on loan. It felt magical, like a time and space portal: like we had travelled back to our early years, and from New York to London. A cherished memory.
It's terrible how horribly Lady Jane Grey died. She was just a young girl, pretty much used as a pawn by everyone and killed for, well, NOTHING that SHE DID. Two "fathers" in her life pretty much made this happen, even if the final decision was made by Mary. Thank you for the video. 😄
I think it does her memory a terrible disservice when you rob her of agency and see her only as a victim. She was a very devout Protestant who saw the attempt at taking the throne as her duty. Mary tried to spare her on the condition that she accept Catholic rule and renounce her cause. Jayne refused and faced death with dignity and grace. She's a tragic figure, but also a heroic one. Likewise Mary was trying to put down the rebellion and restore the Catholic church her father had only instated Protestantism as a political maneuver to take his mistress as his wife and dispatch the Catholics who sided with his wife at the time. The Protestants were also not peaceful victims in all this. It was all out sectarian warfare and they had been burning the Kingdom's great Cathedrals. Mary as a Catholic heir to the throne was doing her duty to her nation and faith just as Jayne was, and really, I think that is so much more compelling than the childish narrative depicting one as a hapless victim and the other as a bloodthirsty villain.
I used to see it as that too, but then remember so many monarchs before and after Mary had to do the same. Maybe had Jane's father not taken up another rebellion, Mary would have spared Jane and her husband. But it just made Mary see that she could kill all the rebels for Jane's cause, but with Jane gone there was no need for a rebellion. It makes sense in the long run.
I've followed your channel long enough to see the emergence of a clear and unique style and voice in your storytelling - such wonderful content that I always watch as soon as I see it!
It really captures helplessness while trying your best. Lady Jane is blinded and still trying to find the spot. The men are obligated to do their job but still try to guide gently and to grant patience. The other girls are emotionally distraught but and you could make a case that they are trying to not make it worse (by making a scene or letting their lady audibly know how bad they're feeling)
It is a very large painting which makes the figures feel almost life sized. Mind you, I was a child when I saw it , so it may have just seemed life sized! The rendering of the fabric is just so exquisite.
I first saw this painting in the National Gallery in London when I was on a school trip, aged 12. Not the sort of thing you'd think would appeal to a kid (who was more Star Wars obsessed at that point!) but it floored me. Every time we go to the gallery now, I have to go and look at it again. It's a big painting and hits you full force. The colours, brush strokes, the light... no photo or film shot/ video can really do it justice. So happy to see this video of one of my favourites!
Perhaps the realization of the eventual fate of feminine beauty and ideals, had also hit you. It would be a powerful thing to see, at that pivotal age.
I’ve just posted a near identical post and now I see yours. I too was in London and around the same age. So nice to see a shared experience at such young ages.
This is my favorite painting. As an artist, the level of skill is frankly inspiring to behold. Jane's white gown and loose curls; perfectly communicate her youth and innocence as she's blindly led to her death as a lamb is led to the slaughter. Beyond that, this painting's size works in its favor. Similar to looking through a window or a doorway, you become an unwilling spectator of this tragedy. Your eyes are drawn in by the flaunted majesty, the harsh decadence of richly colored velvet and jewels, and the white satin contrasted against it all. This purposeful pageantry creates a sense of unease. Seemingly saying, isn't this beautiful? Isn't this repulsive too? That dichotomy is captivating.
Hauntingly sad! It's like the people around her don't want this to happen to someone so young and innocent, but are bound by the duties of the crown to see it through. It's like they are taking their time, especially the guy guiding her to find the block....wow awesome video! 👌
Mary Tudor is one of the most misunderstood people in history. She thought Jane an innocent pawn of Dudley and other courtiers but people still used Jane as inspiration for usurpation. She was out in a tough spot, as she always was, and acted just as the men around her did. Yet, men who killed more than she never had the word "Bloody" put in front of their name.
Yes, Henry VIII was a psychopath who terrorized his own wives, daughters & loyal friends. We could go on for quite awhile about the horror that he perpetuated against his country & family.
Well said. She’s very mis understood. If Jane Grays father had succeeded with his rebellion it would have been Mary on the block. She was in a similar position to her sister Elizabeth when she executed Mary Queen of Scots. Rival factions would have used Jane as a rallying point. Jane was a very passionate Protestant who was keen on destroying any Catholic power.
Truth must be spoken Those sisters were put in the position of being fam by fam becoming enemies. When TREAT to the THRONE is damaging the Sys, you must ACT. TREASON is always DEATH into the Kingdom, and yes, in these days THE INNOCENTS pay their BLOOD for the SINNERS.
Decades ago I had an argument in a faculty meeting with a fellow professor and won. After the meeting was over became up to me and called me a “castrating bitch.” I whirled around, walked up to him and. Said “thank you so much! That was a wonderful compliment.” I left him with his mouth hanging open.
Gotta admit, never in my life thought I’d one day be binge-watching videos analysing famous paintings like episodes of GOT, but here we are and I love them 😅 Definitely reinvigorating my love for art. Makes me want to visit a museum-something else I never thought I’d say. Thank you for these wonderful insights. 😊
This piece, and the story behind it are so moving. From the moment I first saw it online, it has mesmerized me. When I had the amazing chance to visit the National Gallery in London, I had no idea it was there. Walking around the corner to find this large painting in front of me, took my breath away. I just stood and stared, amazed to be in the presence of something so beautiful and tragic. It is so moving in person that I found myself getting choked up as if I was truly witnessing this horrible event. There are some pieces that will stop you dead in your tracks and completely captivate you, and this is definitely one of them!
I actually have a different take on why he painted Jane with her hair down and flowing over her shoulder in such a fashion. I think it was to accentuate her youth. After all, the REAL tragedy here isn’t just that she was executed in such a fashion for such stupid reasons, it was the fact that she was only 17 at the time. Granted, back in the 1500s, you were practically middle aged at 17, but in the 1800s when the painting was made, 17 was pretty young and to be executed at such a young age is really tragic. Especially when the reason for said execution is because your cousin’s cheese has slid off her cracker…
17 was young even during the middle ages. The average life span was about 30, but only because so many children died in their first few years. Those who survived these early years could reach 60 or more.
Mary wasn't crazy. She was, like every king before her since the war of the roses started, trying to prevent rebels from using a royal personage as a rallying point by killing them. See literally every ruler in the war of the roses.
They were two factions in a religious war. People only think Mary was crazy because her side lost. If you look into it more, she had honorable reasons for her actions.
@@ashmeadowphoenix Mary 1 was no more or less brutal than many monarchs of the time. However, most monarchs at the time would have gone the assassination route if they needed to. Because Mary was a woman her claim to the throne was much more unstable, especially since her brother names Jane his successor, giving her a strong claim. The tragedy is that Jane wanted nothing to do with any of it. The poor girl was a victim of other people's power politics and it cost her life through no fault or action of her own.
Yes me too! Ever since I've found this channel I've been able to appreciate art like this and I'm so glad I did. Because it's actually so interesting and I didn't know!
I subbed to the cnannel after randomly finding a single video, and I intend to go back and listen to the older ones. Such a great mix of history, art history, just with a touch of humour. It's just captivating from start to finish.
I remember seeing this painting in person for the first time at the National Gallery. It's ginormous and takes up a good portion of the gallery wall. I will never forget turning a corner, seeing it and feeling my stomach drop. Something about the almost nurturing quality of the man helping her and the way Lady Jane Grey feels for the execution block is haunting.
Hi! Being a Jane myself, I was intrigued by this young lady. While in college in the late 70s I read a stunning biography of her titled, "Coronation to Glory." That poor child/woman had no say in her future. Tudor England was hard on the semi-wealthy and the peasant in different ways. I remember the book mentioning, as you did, her frantically calling out to be guided to the block. Thankfully her Savior carried her home. The use of various shades of rusty, reddish brown adds to the painting's cohesiveness. Even her white dress is a warm white with just a drop or 2 of that same rusty brown. And her hair! Shimmering! Yes, it is a beautiful painting, but it is so very sad. I'm glad they rediscovered it. Thank you for your lovely commentary.
The raw sadness of the lady at the back, in the dark, legit made me tear up when I first saw this painting. Especially since Jane Grey was only 17 when she was executed. Whether these spectators were real or not, she had plenty of people who doubtlessly would have mourned her (like her two younger sisters who both ran away from home…)
Very few paintings make me want to cry but this one does. She did nothing, wanted nothing but instead got death. The tenderness shown by those in the painting and, of course, the artist makes one want to weep with frustration and , well, grief.
This is perhaps the most heart wrenching painting I've ever seen. Lost hope is the message it conveys to me and it is that that makes me want to cry every time I look at it.
Bc of your video essay, I became FASCINATED by this painting and saw it when I was in London last month bc I just HAD to see it in person. Thank you! 🎉
I absolutely love your videos. When we studied this painting at university- the lecturer said an off hand comment about how her dress wasn't a good choice for an execution and I had to point out to him that she was wearing a kirtle and undergarments and her lady was holding her dress which if it was part of the royal wardrobe would have had to be returned or if it belonged to Jane would have been gifted to her lady as textiles were very expensive). I was thrilled that you had taken the time to explain in your video that they were undergarments. It does make her look more pure wearing white as does the hair being worn down.
I saw this painting a couple of weeks ago and it moved me to tears. Despair of the ladies in waiting, her hand groping for the block and being guided, and the dispassionate look of the executioner... captured in one very sad painting....it's amazing
Jane had two younger sisters who saw to it that they wouldn't be their male relatives' pawns. One eloped with a nobleman not of her families' choosing and the other married a commoner. The one got a pass because her husband was nobility, the other sister and her husband was tragic; Elizabeth was furious and jailed them.
Katherine Grey, the older sister, secretly married her husband, never learned the priest's name, lost important papers relating to the union, and generally disrespected Queen Elizabeth. She was never a free woman again, and after she and her husband left the Tower, she never saw her older son or her husband again. That is not getting a pass; Elizabeth never forgave either of them, though Katherine's husband eventually was freed. Yes, Katherine's sister Mary, a little person, subsequently married a commoner; both were jailed, Mary eventually living under house arrest. ]
This painting is amazing. I saw it at the National Gallery in London on a school art trip. The dress Lady Jane wears glows from the canvas and commands attention when you first see it.
Few things to note : There’s a ring on her left hand, the same one that’s reaching for the block She’s entirely dressed in white, which is a symbolical color for innocence. The composition of the piece somewhat resembles and theater piece, driving home the dramatic feel
I came across this painting in London at the Royal Art Museum during a three day stopover, and just could not walk away from it. I kept standing there staring at it for the longest time, and although I kept making attempts to walk away, each time I was drawn back, and just couldn't seem to leave it. There were all of these incredible paintings by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and it was my first time seeing any original works by these artists. They were all so magnificently stunning, but it was this painting by an artist that I had never heard of that somehow reached out and grabbed my attention and would not let it go.
The quality, the lectures, how is it possible that it gets better and better with each video?? Wowed. And ending the video with the random humor was a really clever way to pull me back out of the sadness of this piece. Thank you for that.
I like how you say about a painting "where it lives today". In some way the paintings are indeed still alive in our mind, memory, hearts because they still speak to us.
Poor poor Lady Jane. From birth she was nothing but a pawn in her father's quest for power. Absolutely everything that happened to that girl happened because of his failure to EVER think of her as a person in her own right. Scary to think that this can and does still happen in certain places around the world. Whilst i believe I have seen this painting "in the flesh", I didn't really pay it much mind. That's why I love your videos. I definitely should have studied art history at uni - maybe it's not too late (I'm a 51 year old artist). Many thanks from a new Subscriber x
To me, the woman on the left with Lady Jane’s jewelry draped across her lap looked similar to someone praying over rosary beads. Love this channel! Thank you for all your hard work 🙌
Lady Jane Grey's story is so sad. She was so young and a pawn in the hands of powerful men throughout her life and in the end their manipulations and powergrabs got her killed. I'm glad this painting shows the tragedy of her death.
What a needless tragedy. I've seen this painting several times but this is the first video I've seen it in up-close detail. A well thought out analysis of the painting 😊
I remember seeing this amazing painting in London. It is life sized. You feel as if you are there with them watching her demise. Even though the painting is grotesque in story, the artwork itself is exquisite! After I stood there looking at it for awhile I moved on throughout the museum. I came to a hallway and a few doors down I could see her in the distance! As if I were a stranger walking by a scene of beauty and horror. The museum had placed this painting perfectly as to draw you in to see her. Her beautiful face, skin, and lovely red hair. The colors so vibrant. As if painted yesterday! As I walked back toward her (I couldn’t help myself!) the scene slowly unfolds.
I’ve seen this painting three times in real life. I make sure to visit it every time I go to London. It’s so haunting yet mesmerizing. I also had a cat named Jane Gray because she was a pure gray cat and I’ve always loved the story of Jane. That poor girl.
I LOVE your videos so much! I always learn something interesting! I'm not an art student and have no training in art or anything. I'm just an fan of art and it always make me appreciate the paintings more to know the story behind them
I just saw this extraordinary masterpiece at The National Gallery during my first visit to London. Having already seen your video, I was anticipating viewing it in person. I was not prepared for the size and technical skill. Gobsmacked, I must have stood in front for at least 15 minutes. Still haunts me now. Thank you for your analysis and review: it gave me even more appreciation.
I took a trip to London in 1998...as soon as I saw this painting at the museum, I went and got a print at the shop. Something about this painting made me love it on sight.
I saw this painting recently while I was in London and it instantly brought tears to my eyes. I knew the backstory of this painting before seeing it and that made it even more emotional. Truly a beautiful, heartbreaking piece of art.
One of my favorite paintings. It’s in London, I believe the National Gallery. It’s a huge painting, the figures are life-sized or bigger. When I first saw it it was placed to the side as you walked by, so you had to turn to face it fell-on. I did turn, stepped back a few feet and my heart broke for ten minutes. I wept. I couldn’t tear myself away. She was so young…. I’ve been back to see it since, and it still breaks my heart.
Not sure if anybody mentioned this, but the painting is on display at the National Gallery in London. It is one of our favorite paintings, and we visit it each time we're in London. As the OP correctly stated, this painting is very moving and emotional. Thank you for posting this!
On my trip to London with a group from Art School in 1974, this painting was newly exhibited in its own alcove on a low easel. As I walked by it appears suddenly. As I stood there, because of its size, it looked almost like you were there witnessing the execution. It still gives me shivers.
Your work is truly amazing. Not once in my life have I been really interested in paintings but I can't get enough of your analysis. The history behind each piece, the lights, the colors, the humor... I'm a big fan ! Please don't stop sharing your knowledge with us ❤
The many fascinating details of this story led me to compose a flash opera on Lady Grey a few years ago...a lot of drama was packed into a few short minutes.
This is one of my favourite paintings. Whenever I visit the National Gallery I'll spend ages gazing at it. The colours & detail are so beautiful despite its sad depiction. It's well worth seeing in person to appreciate its artistry. Thanks for sharing this video!
Why thank you for pointing the details and history out! This was so nicely done! You put this in a very organized fashion, and I learned a lot! And your interpretation of the details of the painting made a lot of sense! This is amazing! Thank you!
I think another reason her hair is down is more sentimental symbolic theatre. It's red hair cascading over a pure white dress and therefore all about loss of innocence and it runs from her head downward, exactly as her blood will, when her throat is cut. Also we have a young woman in white at the center of a semi-circle of people blindfolded and groping with one hand, which immediately suggests a common scene of playing blindman's bluff at a wedding. The metaphor tells us that she is dependent on the older men around her as she is led forward blind, innocent and angelicinto her future. It's a picture of her politicized life as a picture of politicized death.
I've always thought this painting was painfully beautiful, and now I really know why. You are so super good at this, your channel has become one of my faves.
Lady Jane Grey's story has always been one of the saddest in British Royal history. And, as usual, the 'choicelessness' of young women at the time, especially those who were used in transactional marriages, securing lands, titles, allegiances, and fortunes. She really was a victim, and the virginal white, the vulnerability of the underclothes ... and the latest in a succession of 'father figures' who led her to the block? It may be 'staged' but beautifully, and tellingly done.
I love the way you talk about the paintings, with quick little jokes that keep the very dark subjects a little bit lighter while still talking with respect. Love love loooove this channel
I am not an "art lover", but I've been to the Louvre, as well as other museums, and marveled at the awesome presentations. However, the material being presented by Art Deco on YT is making this layman aware of greatness he did not know existed. Absolutely fantastic paintings here, accompanied by excellent informative and appropriately humorous narration.
Love your channel.wish your videos were longer. I could listen all day. You can even do a museum segment where you go from one piece to a next that would be inside whichever museum recovery almost like getting a tour with valuable insight and entertainment
I first saw this painting at the National Gallery when I was around fifteen. The dimensions are HUGE! It is shamelessly dramatic, and was the most spectacular painting I had ever seen. The texture of the silver satin dress is perfectly represented.
I have sat for hours looking at this in the National Gallery. It is very large and the detail is absolutely breathtaking. Disturbing and upsetting, but incredibly beautiful.
Actually it was Mary I's fiancé, Philip of Spain that insisted on Jane's execution. He refused to come to England to marry Mary unless Jane was executed after her father led the second rebellion which attempted to overthrow Mary a second time and place Jane back on the throne. Mary wasn't getting any younger (she was 37 when she became queen, and that was well into middle age, at that time) and wanted very much to have children--Roman Catholic children. It would have assured England became Catholic again and that her half sister, Anglican Elizabeth, didn't become queen. She showed great mercy to Jane, as she would Elizabeth, avoiding execution for as long as she could for Jane, and later for Elizabeth. After all, her father's advisor's had urged Henry VIII to execute her many times.
There is a great article on the restorarion of this great painting by Delaroche in the 1995 Getty Institute periodical on restoration. I knew about his work as well as his followers (Gerome...) for a long time. Most of the public knows little about him despite how great he was.
This painting is so beautiful - a 19th century masterpiece. The film version of their story from the 80s with a very young Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Jane and Cary Elwes as Guilford is still beautiful and compelling and extremely sad
I think the driving factor for me is the hopelessness, innocence, and resignation that Lady Jane Grey is portrayed with. She's literally lost, trying to comply with her own brutal execution but unsure what to do. She's not crying out for mercy, but for help to orient herself properly. She was a child who tried to do what was wanted of her to the very end.
I love your videos, they make me appreciate painting, an art that I never thought I would be interested in. Keep it up ! The narration, the story and the editing are very good 😄
Another magnificent painting in the spotlight. Thanks for the fascinating backstory and putting it all into place. This channel makes enjoying and respecting art so easy, and I love it to get away from reality and find some beauty.
Never got here so early before. Love your work! It definitely helped inspire some new videos coming out soon on my channel. Thanks for the deep dives into art and history!
Taking simply about the painting itself ...walking through the National Gallery I walked into the room where this painting is hung - it just stops you in your tracks. It is magnificent.
Hey everyone! @hot mechanic pointed out that I misspoke. Thank you for pointing this out! Lady Jane Grey was married to Guildford Dudley in 1553, not 1533. I apologize for the slip up!
Hi. Have you ever made a video about Spolarium by Juan Luna?
Back then 17 was like being 30+ years nowadays
I just love your voice!
I thought she was married to cyclops
I know early engagements were common then but 3-4 years before conception seemed a bit of a stretch…
It really hits you how dark the Tudor era was when the guy helping her to the block and the executioner are depicted as sympathetic/empathetic, paternal and compassionate figures
It's a painting created 300 years after the Tudor period. The artist was bringing his own sensibility and values into the composition.
@@RichardParker2008 It's well-documented from writings of the period people did not see the need for this girl's execution and saw their new Queen Mary as brutal for demanding it.
@@RichardParker2008 @RichardParker2008 Yes of course, but as another user said, there was sympathy for Jane Grey at her time, and she was gently helped to the block, in stark, depressing contrast to how she was abused my her own parents. Another incident that stuck with me is Anne Boleyn's execution, when the swordsman pretended to call for his sword so she thought she had a few more moments to live, when he actually had it in his hands and did the deed with one quick strike while she was unaware. A small mercy, but more than her own husband gave her
You mean empathetic?
@@junepassingthrouthegate8810 probably, sorry english isn't my first language
I always found Jane Grey's story so sad. All she wanted was minding her business and read her books. Also, that execution is a sneak peak of what Bloody Mary would later become.
Absolutely. It hurts, even hundreds of years later.
@blabil Mary could have chosen to spare her. But she chose to kill this poor girl.
@@ChristinaStarlight To stay as a rallying point for those who rebelled against her rule. No monarch can suffer a pretender. And many kings of England end up executed or...ahem accidently dying in their prison cell.
Both of them suffered for the bad choices their fathers made: Mary, thanks to Henry's lust, pride, disobedience, I could go on...and Lady Jane, for her father's part in the insurrection.
People please check the real history. Lady Janes parents, especially her father got her killed. She was “Queen” for 9 days, both she & Guilford Dudley were forced to marry. Somehow the Father was not kept under arrest. Mary understood that Lady Jane was innocent & was going to release her. Her Father decided to form another treasonous attack & put Lady Jane back on the throne. Phillip II who was soon to marry Queen Mary, insisted that this threat to her throne be crushed. Queen Mary bears the ultimate responsibility but Janes stupid power hungry Father who didn’t give a crap about his daughter beyond the power she could bring to her family hurried Jane to the executioners block.
I always felt sorry for Lady Jane Grey. She was forced into a position she didn't want and then was executed for no action that was her own.
Actually, she saw it as her duty, and Mary tried to convince her to renounce her cause and accept Catholic rule, and she refused knowing that it would leave Mary no choice but to execute her. People need to stop robbing her of her agency. She was very brave and stoic, and should not be looked upon with pity.
@@ANPC-pi9vu Well said. Jane was a pawn, but she also chose her path to a certain extent. She could have chosen to publicly accepted Catholicism and lived as a Catholic. It is what Elizabeth did, although Elizabeth had her own ways of dealing with treading the line.
I get Jane did not believe in the teachings of Catholicism, but I also think Elizabeth was on the right track in say there is one Lord Jesus Christ, one faith and the rest is a dispute over trifles.
However, I respect Jane felt she could not do that, and did not renounce her beliefs.
Ryouko. She did commit treason. Parliament gave Henry VIII the legal power to determine the succession, not Edward VI. Without an act of Parliament Edward VI could not declare Jane his successor. Her taking on the title of Queen of England and signing herself Queen was illegal.So she committed the crime of treason. She admitted as much on the scaffold, even though she was not the instigator of the treason
It was also the reason Mary did not execute her straight away. Had her father not got involved in another rebellion against Mary, then it likely Mary would not have executed her. But that is the problem- once you commit treason you open yourself to peril when others act on your behalf later.
I think she is a tragic figure, but she also was not totally innocent.
If her ambitious parents had the son her mother in particular wanted so badly...and that son had lived...or if Edward had lived to a healthy adulthood, Jane might have had a much happier life. They only focused on her because there was no male to pin their hopes on. And as a woman, family duty and obedience was seen as her only option. Sad. Sex has been the justification for a great deal of injustice throughout human history.
@@brontewcat well if you brought Queen Elizabeth’s time then that Jane was probably Diana…
I think it's so haunting because of its soft and delicate depiction of an innocent girl taking her own execution with the amount of grace that only a queen would have.
I'm pretty sure it's the leggings.
Lady Jane Grey was very well educated and much more adult than one would have expected. Horrible Histories the BBC kids' TV show did a funny sketch about the poor girl, but anyone who knows her story can only be moved by it.
😭
@@thedativecase9733 💯 !;
To think that they actually led this young girl to a block & took her life in such a grotesque way.....is both surreal & deeply chilling....not much of the humane in humanity far too often.
Love your work.
Beats what the commoners got. Compared to Tyburn, the axe and sword were a mercy.
@@als3022 i think it's moreso the circumstances as to how she got beheaded that make it chilling bc it was unnecessary and sad
Mary Tudor didn't get the nickname "Bloody Mary” for nothing. And this was only the beginning of her reign!
@@silvergust It wasn't unnecessary, even though it was tragic. Mary did not want to execute her but could not persuade the pious Jayne to disavow her cause as she believes it was her duty as a Protestant. Likewise, Mary was the protector of the Catholic church, trying to put down the Protestant uprisings and resenting what her father had done. They both had respectable reasons for their positions, so her only option was to put Jayne to death.
@@myriamickx7969 You are overlooking the fact that Protestants had been burning down Cathedrals all across the kingdom. Mary was doing what she must as a devout Catholic of her station in that time and place.
I remember learning about this painting in college. From there, my research on the Tudor family continued. It amazes me how violent Henry Viii was and how his anger seemed to trickle down to other members of the Tudor family. Like a generational curse.
He was not like that at first. He was a beautiful and respected young man who, during many contests fell from his horse and received multiple head injuries. It seems that brain trauma impaired his judgement and self co trol.
But Elizabeth I was a good ruler though. I think Mary I was that way because of how Henry treated her. He didn't even allow her to come to her mother's funeral
@@k.999 Unless you refused to convert to the new Church of England and wanted to remain Catholic. And watched your life erode or end up executed because her father wanted to bone someone new. Elizabeth is one of those glossed over individuals who gets praise for a Golden Age. A Golden Age because of luck with the weather and calling all those she executed traitors rather than religious opponents. Except for Henry VII, the entire Tudor line deserves the moniker "Bloody" Especially Henry VIII
Mary when you study her is much more depressing than Bloody. A sad depressing story of a woman trying to continue her dynasty and get what she felt her suffering owed.
@@als3022 I guess that's true, she and her mother went through a lot
@@als3022 I'd also wager the anti-catholic sentiment of the Elizabethan Anglicans was due to the shitstorm that Mary put non-Catholics(seeing as both Protestants and Anglicans were the targets) through
So, not fully the workings of Lizzy, pretty sure a chunk of Anglicans and Protestants wanted retribution
I saw this painting as a teenager and when I walked into the gallery I was dumb struck by it’s beauty. It’s so large, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It really moved me and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.
In fact, my daughter has just started an art history course and I was telling her about it earlier this week.
I think my phone was listening because this just arrived in my recommendations.
They are spying and listening. Cover your phones and your audio with tape. Its crazy.
It's amazing how much more striking art (and many other things) can be when seen in person. And they're pretty striking in photos already. I remember being impressed that way by the Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) at the Cloisters Museum in NYC. It took my breath away.
yes it was listening.
Thank you for this one. I know about Lady Jane Grey and have always found it a haunting, deplorable story. This painting, while not historically accurate, expresses the hopelessness and pathos of the events. I am not an "art person," but I enjoy many of your presentations.
I love this painting of Jane and as someone who has dedicated the last three years to writing every school essay about her story I truly appreciate the thought and study put into this video! Amazing work as always! Thank you for inspiring and entertaining myself and so many others!
Wow! That is so amazing to hear coming from an expert such as yourself! Thank you so much for watching the videos and supporting the channel 😊
@@th_sm_shi Because that’s how much I paid
@@mckinleygrimes9593 paid for what?
@@mi-no3wk probably donated
@@th_sm_shi probably donated
This painting has great emotional significance to my husband and me. We fell in love with it in London and even got a small print of it framed. Then decades later, we were visiting New York and suddenly walked into a room where it was on loan. It felt magical, like a time and space portal: like we had travelled back to our early years, and from New York to London. A cherished memory.
It's terrible how horribly Lady Jane Grey died. She was just a young girl, pretty much used as a pawn by everyone and killed for, well, NOTHING that SHE DID. Two "fathers" in her life pretty much made this happen, even if the final decision was made by Mary.
Thank you for the video. 😄
I think it does her memory a terrible disservice when you rob her of agency and see her only as a victim. She was a very devout Protestant who saw the attempt at taking the throne as her duty. Mary tried to spare her on the condition that she accept Catholic rule and renounce her cause. Jayne refused and faced death with dignity and grace. She's a tragic figure, but also a heroic one.
Likewise Mary was trying to put down the rebellion and restore the Catholic church her father had only instated Protestantism as a political maneuver to take his mistress as his wife and dispatch the Catholics who sided with his wife at the time. The Protestants were also not peaceful victims in all this. It was all out sectarian warfare and they had been burning the Kingdom's great Cathedrals. Mary as a Catholic heir to the throne was doing her duty to her nation and faith just as Jayne was, and really, I think that is so much more compelling than the childish narrative depicting one as a hapless victim and the other as a bloodthirsty villain.
I used to see it as that too, but then remember so many monarchs before and after Mary had to do the same. Maybe had Jane's father not taken up another rebellion, Mary would have spared Jane and her husband. But it just made Mary see that she could kill all the rebels for Jane's cause, but with Jane gone there was no need for a rebellion. It makes sense in the long run.
I've followed your channel long enough to see the emergence of a clear and unique style and voice in your storytelling - such wonderful content that I always watch as soon as I see it!
Fr
I love the editing and the jokes
She's really become a good narrator, hasn't she?
@@JOHNDOINK21 p
It really captures helplessness while trying your best. Lady Jane is blinded and still trying to find the spot. The men are obligated to do their job but still try to guide gently and to grant patience. The other girls are emotionally distraught but and you could make a case that they are trying to not make it worse (by making a scene or letting their lady audibly know how bad they're feeling)
I remember seeing this in person, it's absolutely stunning and shocking all at once.
where is the painting being kept ?
It's in the National Gallery in London
How big is it? What further thoughts and emotions did it give you. I can get the dims from Google by I prefer the person's view point.
It is a very large painting which makes the figures feel almost life sized. Mind you, I was a child when I saw it , so it may have just seemed life sized! The rendering of the fabric is just so exquisite.
@@Montevideo2313 huge. Wall of gallery filling huge. Which makes the darkness seem bigger and claustrophobic.
I first saw this painting in the National Gallery in London when I was on a school trip, aged 12. Not the sort of thing you'd think would appeal to a kid (who was more Star Wars obsessed at that point!) but it floored me. Every time we go to the gallery now, I have to go and look at it again. It's a big painting and hits you full force. The colours, brush strokes, the light... no photo or film shot/ video can really do it justice. So happy to see this video of one of my favourites!
Perhaps the realization of the eventual fate of feminine beauty and ideals, had also hit you. It would be a powerful thing to see, at that pivotal age.
You and I have almost identical stories about this painting. It's phenomenal. I can sit in front of it for hours.
I’ve just posted a near identical post and now I see yours. I too was in London and around the same age.
So nice to see a shared experience at such young ages.
This is my favorite painting. As an artist, the level of skill is frankly inspiring to behold. Jane's white gown and loose curls; perfectly communicate her youth and innocence as she's blindly led to her death as a lamb is led to the slaughter.
Beyond that, this painting's size works in its favor. Similar to looking through a window or a doorway, you become an unwilling spectator of this tragedy. Your eyes are drawn in by the flaunted majesty, the harsh decadence of richly colored velvet and jewels, and the white satin contrasted against it all. This purposeful pageantry creates a sense of unease. Seemingly saying, isn't this beautiful? Isn't this repulsive too? That dichotomy is captivating.
Hauntingly sad! It's like the people around her don't want this to happen to someone so young and innocent, but are bound by the duties of the crown to see it through. It's like they are taking their time, especially the guy guiding her to find the block....wow awesome video! 👌
The way the artist captures light against fabric is beyond stunning.
Mary Tudor is one of the most misunderstood people in history. She thought Jane an innocent pawn of Dudley and other courtiers but people still used Jane as inspiration for usurpation. She was out in a tough spot, as she always was, and acted just as the men around her did. Yet, men who killed more than she never had the word "Bloody" put in front of their name.
Yes, Henry VIII was a psychopath who terrorized his own wives, daughters & loyal friends. We could go on for quite awhile about the horror that he perpetuated against his country & family.
Well said. She’s very mis understood. If Jane Grays father had succeeded with his rebellion it would have been Mary on the block. She was in a similar position to her sister Elizabeth when she executed Mary Queen of Scots. Rival factions would have used Jane as a rallying point. Jane was a very passionate Protestant who was keen on destroying any Catholic power.
Truth must be spoken
Those sisters were put in the position of being fam by fam becoming enemies.
When TREAT to the THRONE is damaging the Sys, you must ACT. TREASON is always DEATH into the Kingdom, and yes, in these days THE INNOCENTS pay their BLOOD for the SINNERS.
100%
Decades ago I had an argument in a faculty meeting with a fellow professor and won. After the meeting was over became up to me and called me a “castrating bitch.” I whirled around, walked up to him and. Said “thank you so much! That was a wonderful compliment.” I left him with his mouth hanging open.
Gotta admit, never in my life thought I’d one day be binge-watching videos analysing famous paintings like episodes of GOT, but here we are and I love them 😅 Definitely reinvigorating my love for art. Makes me want to visit a museum-something else I never thought I’d say. Thank you for these wonderful insights. 😊
Museum - or Art Gallery?
Same!!! If this channel existed when I was in college I wouldn’t have had to repeat my humanities classes. She makes art interesting.
This piece, and the story behind it are so moving. From the moment I first saw it online, it has mesmerized me. When I had the amazing chance to visit the National Gallery in London, I had no idea it was there. Walking around the corner to find this large painting in front of me, took my breath away. I just stood and stared, amazed to be in the presence of something so beautiful and tragic. It is so moving in person that I found myself getting choked up as if I was truly witnessing this horrible event. There are some pieces that will stop you dead in your tracks and completely captivate you, and this is definitely one of them!
I actually have a different take on why he painted Jane with her hair down and flowing over her shoulder in such a fashion. I think it was to accentuate her youth. After all, the REAL tragedy here isn’t just that she was executed in such a fashion for such stupid reasons, it was the fact that she was only 17 at the time. Granted, back in the 1500s, you were practically middle aged at 17, but in the 1800s when the painting was made, 17 was pretty young and to be executed at such a young age is really tragic. Especially when the reason for said execution is because your cousin’s cheese has slid off her cracker…
17 was young even during the middle ages. The average life span was about 30, but only because so many children died in their first few years. Those who survived these early years could reach 60 or more.
Mary wasn't crazy. She was, like every king before her since the war of the roses started, trying to prevent rebels from using a royal personage as a rallying point by killing them. See literally every ruler in the war of the roses.
They were two factions in a religious war. People only think Mary was crazy because her side lost. If you look into it more, she had honorable reasons for her actions.
@@ANPC-pi9vu She literally burned people alive for not being Catholic. She was called Bloody Mary by people.
@@ashmeadowphoenix Mary 1 was no more or less brutal than many monarchs of the time. However, most monarchs at the time would have gone the assassination route if they needed to. Because Mary was a woman her claim to the throne was much more unstable, especially since her brother names Jane his successor, giving her a strong claim. The tragedy is that Jane wanted nothing to do with any of it. The poor girl was a victim of other people's power politics and it cost her life through no fault or action of her own.
You single-handedly made me interested in art appreciation
This makes me so happy, you don't even know!
Yes me too! Ever since I've found this channel I've been able to appreciate art like this and I'm so glad I did. Because it's actually so interesting and I didn't know!
I subbed to the cnannel after randomly finding a single video, and I intend to go back and listen to the older ones. Such a great mix of history, art history, just with a touch of humour. It's just captivating from start to finish.
Right!!!
Oh, you remind me of my College Subject.
I remember seeing this painting in person for the first time at the National Gallery. It's ginormous and takes up a good portion of the gallery wall. I will never forget turning a corner, seeing it and feeling my stomach drop. Something about the almost nurturing quality of the man helping her and the way Lady Jane Grey feels for the execution block is haunting.
I agree. I had the same experience when I saw this painting. Utterly haunting.
Hi! Being a Jane myself, I was intrigued by this young lady. While in college in the late 70s I read a stunning biography of her titled, "Coronation to Glory." That poor child/woman had no say in her future. Tudor England was hard on the semi-wealthy and the peasant in different ways. I remember the book mentioning, as you did, her frantically calling out to be guided to the block. Thankfully her Savior carried her home.
The use of various shades of rusty, reddish brown adds to the painting's cohesiveness. Even her white dress is a warm white with just a drop or 2 of that same rusty brown. And her hair! Shimmering! Yes, it is a beautiful painting, but it is so very sad. I'm glad they rediscovered it.
Thank you for your lovely commentary.
The raw sadness of the lady at the back, in the dark, legit made me tear up when I first saw this painting. Especially since Jane Grey was only 17 when she was executed.
Whether these spectators were real or not, she had plenty of people who doubtlessly would have mourned her (like her two younger sisters who both ran away from home…)
Very few paintings make me want to cry but this one does. She did nothing, wanted nothing but instead got death. The tenderness shown by those in the painting and, of course, the artist makes one want to weep with frustration and , well, grief.
This is perhaps the most heart wrenching painting I've ever seen. Lost hope is the message it conveys to me and it is that that makes me want to cry every time I look at it.
Bc of your video essay, I became FASCINATED by this painting and saw it when I was in London last month bc I just HAD to see it in person. Thank you! 🎉
Jane Gray was also incredibly young when she was crowned which makes this absolutely more devastating
I absolutely love your videos. When we studied this painting at university- the lecturer said an off hand comment about how her dress wasn't a good choice for an execution and I had to point out to him that she was wearing a kirtle and undergarments and her lady was holding her dress which if it was part of the royal wardrobe would have had to be returned or if it belonged to Jane would have been gifted to her lady as textiles were very expensive). I was thrilled that you had taken the time to explain in your video that they were undergarments. It does make her look more pure wearing white as does the hair being worn down.
I saw this painting a couple of weeks ago and it moved me to tears. Despair of the ladies in waiting, her hand groping for the block and being guided, and the dispassionate look of the executioner... captured in one very sad painting....it's amazing
How he captured the look and feel of the satin dress is amazing. I would love to one day see this fantastic painting in person.
It is haunting because it depicts the Murder of a young woman. It also reveals the insanity of the power hungry.
It wasn't insane or power hungry motivation that led to her execution.
There's a lot of art about murdered innocents, trust me, this one is special.
Jane had two younger sisters who saw to it that they wouldn't be their male relatives' pawns. One eloped with a nobleman not of her families' choosing and the other married a commoner. The one got a pass because her husband was nobility, the other sister and her husband was tragic; Elizabeth was furious and jailed them.
I can’t even imagine the pain of seeing your older sister forced into a position that gets her executed. No wonder they both ran away.
Katherine Grey, the older sister, secretly married her husband, never learned the priest's name, lost important papers relating to the union, and generally disrespected Queen Elizabeth. She was never a free woman again, and after she and her husband left the Tower, she never saw her older son or her husband again. That is not getting a pass; Elizabeth never forgave either of them, though Katherine's husband eventually was freed. Yes, Katherine's sister Mary, a little person, subsequently married a commoner; both were jailed, Mary eventually living under house arrest. ]
This painting is amazing. I saw it at the National Gallery in London on a school art trip. The dress Lady Jane wears glows from the canvas and commands attention when you first see it.
Few things to note :
There’s a ring on her left hand, the same one that’s reaching for the block
She’s entirely dressed in white, which is a symbolical color for innocence.
The composition of the piece somewhat resembles and theater piece, driving home the dramatic feel
This is the only painting that has ever given me chills when seeing it in person. The agony the subjects are feeling is palpable.
Lady Jane is almost life-size in the actual painting. Everyone was very quiet around it.
I came across this painting in London at the Royal Art Museum during a three day stopover, and just could not walk away from it.
I kept standing there staring at it for the longest time, and although I kept making attempts to walk away, each time I was drawn back, and just couldn't seem to leave it.
There were all of these incredible paintings by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and it was my first time seeing any original works by these artists. They were all so magnificently stunning, but it was this painting by an artist that I had never heard of that somehow reached out and grabbed my attention and would not let it go.
Lady Jane was one of my favourite films as a teen. Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of this scene was so heartbreaking that it never left me.
Patrick Stewart said that this was the movie he was the most proud of.
The quality, the lectures, how is it possible that it gets better and better with each video?? Wowed. And ending the video with the random humor was a really clever way to pull me back out of the sadness of this piece. Thank you for that.
I like how you say about a painting "where it lives today". In some way the paintings are indeed still alive in our mind, memory, hearts because they still speak to us.
Poor poor Lady Jane. From birth she was nothing but a pawn in her father's quest for power. Absolutely everything that happened to that girl happened because of his failure to EVER think of her as a person in her own right. Scary to think that this can and does still happen in certain places around the world. Whilst i believe I have seen this painting "in the flesh", I didn't really pay it much mind. That's why I love your videos. I definitely should have studied art history at uni - maybe it's not too late (I'm a 51 year old artist). Many thanks from a new Subscriber x
To me, the woman on the left with Lady Jane’s jewelry draped across her lap looked similar to someone praying over rosary beads.
Love this channel! Thank you for all your hard work 🙌
Lady Jane Grey's story is so sad. She was so young and a pawn in the hands of powerful men throughout her life and in the end their manipulations and powergrabs got her killed. I'm glad this painting shows the tragedy of her death.
The long, flowing, red hair, I believe, is an echo of what is to come... especially against her skin and her outfit. It's blood.
I agree, always had seen the artist's decision with flowing hair as premonition of blood stream. Dark and grim accent, but so suitable for this scene.
What a needless tragedy. I've seen this painting several times but this is the first video I've seen it in up-close detail. A well thought out analysis of the painting 😊
I remember seeing this amazing painting in London. It is life sized. You feel as if you are there with them watching her demise. Even though the painting is grotesque in story, the artwork itself is exquisite! After I stood there looking at it for awhile I moved on throughout the museum. I came to a hallway and a few doors down I could see her in the distance! As if I were a stranger walking by a scene of beauty and horror. The museum had placed this painting perfectly as to draw you in to see her. Her beautiful face, skin, and lovely red hair. The colors so vibrant. As if painted yesterday! As I walked back toward her (I couldn’t help myself!) the scene slowly unfolds.
I’ve seen this painting three times in real life. I make sure to visit it every time I go to London. It’s so haunting yet mesmerizing. I also had a cat named Jane Gray because she was a pure gray cat and I’ve always loved the story of Jane. That poor girl.
One of the most beautiful paintings I've ever had the privilege to see in person. It will take your breath away and maybe produce a tear or two.
I LOVE your videos so much! I always learn something interesting! I'm not an art student and have no training in art or anything. I'm just an fan of art and it always make me appreciate the paintings more to know the story behind them
I just saw this extraordinary masterpiece at The National Gallery during my first visit to London. Having already seen your video, I was anticipating viewing it in person. I was not prepared for the size and technical skill. Gobsmacked, I must have stood in front for at least 15 minutes. Still haunts me now. Thank you for your analysis and review: it gave me even more appreciation.
Fascinating insight into the death of Lady Jane and the cruelty of "Bloody Mary"
Thank you 👍
I took a trip to London in 1998...as soon as I saw this painting at the museum, I went and got a print at the shop. Something about this painting made me love it on sight.
This painting is a real highlight of the gallery for me. It’s a very large painting, immediately striking and extremely moving.
I saw this painting recently while I was in London and it instantly brought tears to my eyes. I knew the backstory of this painting before seeing it and that made it even more emotional. Truly a beautiful, heartbreaking piece of art.
One of my favorite paintings. It’s in London, I believe the National Gallery. It’s a huge painting, the figures are life-sized or bigger. When I first saw it it was placed to the side as you walked by, so you had to turn to face it fell-on. I did turn, stepped back a few feet and my heart broke for ten minutes. I wept. I couldn’t tear myself away. She was so young…. I’ve been back to see it since, and it still breaks my heart.
I ended up on this channel as I was browsing through RUclips, and I love it. I had no idea art history would be so fascinating. ❤
Your editing, voice entonation and sense of humour are perfect! Love your videos!
Not sure if anybody mentioned this, but the painting is on display at the National Gallery in London. It is one of our favorite paintings, and we visit it each time we're in London. As the OP correctly stated, this painting is very moving and emotional. Thank you for posting this!
On my trip to London with a group from Art School in 1974, this painting was newly exhibited in its own alcove on a low easel. As I walked by it appears suddenly. As I stood there, because of its size, it looked almost like you were there witnessing the execution. It still gives me shivers.
This was the most excruciating painting that I’ve ever seen.
Thank you for telling the story so perfectly.
What an unspeakable horror & injustice.
Your work is truly amazing.
Not once in my life have I been really interested in paintings but I can't get enough of your analysis.
The history behind each piece, the lights, the colors, the humor...
I'm a big fan ! Please don't stop sharing your knowledge with us ❤
I’m stuck inside as I’m recovering from surgery and your videos are so interesting. I literally look forward to ALL of your uploads
The many fascinating details of this story led me to compose a flash opera on Lady Grey a few years ago...a lot of drama was packed into a few short minutes.
This is one of my favourite paintings. Whenever I visit the National Gallery I'll spend ages gazing at it. The colours & detail are so beautiful despite its sad depiction. It's well worth seeing in person to appreciate its artistry. Thanks for sharing this video!
This is one of my favourite paintings, thank you for looking at it!
Why thank you for pointing the details and history out! This was so nicely done! You put this in a very organized fashion, and I learned a lot! And your interpretation of the details of the painting made a lot of sense! This is amazing! Thank you!
such a treat to watch your videos and discover new paintings. I didn't know about this one! sad and haunting story indeed.
I saw this painting as a young child in an art book and it was the first time a painting made me feel something.
It's haunting to watch because it's suspended in time. A tragedy just about to be committed and we want to scream NO! but helpless to do anything.
I seriously like the narration on these videos. She has a great balance of information and humor.
I think another reason her hair is down is more sentimental symbolic theatre. It's red hair cascading over a pure white dress and therefore all about loss of innocence and it runs from her head downward, exactly as her blood will, when her throat is cut. Also we have a young woman in white at the center of a semi-circle of people blindfolded and groping with one hand, which immediately suggests a common scene of playing blindman's bluff at a wedding. The metaphor tells us that she is dependent on the older men around her as she is led forward blind, innocent and angelicinto her future. It's a picture of her politicized life as a picture of politicized death.
I've always thought this painting was painfully beautiful, and now I really know why. You are so super good at this, your channel has become one of my faves.
Lady Jane Grey's story has always been one of the saddest in British Royal history.
And, as usual, the 'choicelessness' of young women at the time, especially those who were used in transactional marriages, securing lands, titles, allegiances, and fortunes.
She really was a victim, and the virginal white, the vulnerability of the underclothes ... and the latest in a succession of 'father figures' who led her to the block?
It may be 'staged' but beautifully, and tellingly done.
Excellent comment. Really enjoyed reading it 👍
You are a wonderful story teller with a soothing voice. I got tears in my eyes.
The leggings were the first things I noticed too haha
😍😂
I love the way you talk about the paintings, with quick little jokes that keep the very dark subjects a little bit lighter while still talking with respect. Love love loooove this channel
I am not an "art lover", but I've been to the Louvre, as well as other museums, and marveled at the awesome presentations. However, the material being presented by Art Deco on YT is making this layman aware of greatness he did not know existed. Absolutely fantastic paintings here, accompanied by excellent informative and appropriately humorous narration.
Love your channel.wish your videos were longer. I could listen all day. You can even do a museum segment where you go from one piece to a next that would be inside whichever museum recovery almost like getting a tour with valuable insight and entertainment
I first saw this painting at the National Gallery when I was around fifteen. The dimensions are HUGE! It is shamelessly dramatic, and was the most spectacular painting I had ever seen. The texture of the silver satin dress is perfectly represented.
I just want to say I love your videos so much! They are seriously amazing 💜
I have sat for hours looking at this in the National Gallery. It is very large and the detail is absolutely breathtaking. Disturbing and upsetting, but incredibly beautiful.
The gallery has sited a bench opposite the painting for others who are spellbound by it.
I absolutely love your videos! They made me start reading more into paintings!
Thank you. I have this painting on the wall of my office. I first saw it in London years ago and I agree with your analysis. Well done.
Your videos are so informative and entertaining. Love your sense of humor. I wish you had been my Art History professor,
Always enjoy listening to your interpretations , ….Great sense of humour ! 😊
Actually it was Mary I's fiancé, Philip of Spain that insisted on Jane's execution. He refused to come to England to marry Mary unless Jane was executed after her father led the second rebellion which attempted to overthrow Mary a second time and place Jane back on the throne. Mary wasn't getting any younger (she was 37 when she became queen, and that was well into middle age, at that time) and wanted very much to have children--Roman Catholic children. It would have assured England became Catholic again and that her half sister, Anglican Elizabeth, didn't become queen. She showed great mercy to Jane, as she would Elizabeth, avoiding execution for as long as she could for Jane, and later for Elizabeth. After all, her father's advisor's had urged Henry VIII to execute her many times.
There is a great article on the restorarion of this great painting by Delaroche in the 1995 Getty Institute periodical on restoration. I knew about his work as well as his followers (Gerome...) for a long time. Most of the public knows little about him despite how great he was.
This painting is so beautiful - a 19th century masterpiece. The film version of their story from the 80s with a very young Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Jane and Cary Elwes as Guilford is still beautiful and compelling and extremely sad
I think the driving factor for me is the hopelessness, innocence, and resignation that Lady Jane Grey is portrayed with. She's literally lost, trying to comply with her own brutal execution but unsure what to do. She's not crying out for mercy, but for help to orient herself properly. She was a child who tried to do what was wanted of her to the very end.
This was always my favourite painting in the national gallery when I lived in London.
I really like all of the details on this painting, I also love the history behind the painting.
I know why this painting is so haunting and why it resonates with us today. Because it is about the slaughter of an innocent.
I love your videos, they make me appreciate painting, an art that I never thought I would be interested in. Keep it up ! The narration, the story and the editing are very good 😄
Another magnificent painting in the spotlight. Thanks for the fascinating backstory and putting it all into place. This channel makes enjoying and respecting art so easy, and I love it to get away from reality and find some beauty.
Never got here so early before. Love your work! It definitely helped inspire some new videos coming out soon on my channel. Thanks for the deep dives into art and history!
Taking simply about the painting itself ...walking through the National Gallery I walked into the room where this painting is hung - it just stops you in your tracks. It is magnificent.
I first saw this painting in a book I got years ago. It's a work of art, and the painting made me feel sorry for Lady Jane Grey.