An art historian has discovered a long-lost portrait of King Henry VIII after spotting it on social media. Adam Busiakiewicz, a British art researcher, noticed the missing portrait in a photo posted by Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, on X. The photo captured a reception at the Shire Hall, with the background featuring a distinctive arched painting that Busiakiewicz immediately recognized as the missing portrait of the Tudor monarch.
The distinctive frame was one of the features that helped identify the painting as the missing portrait of Henry VIII. Adam Busiakiewicz
The painting is part of a series of 22 portraits commissioned by Ralph Sheldon in the 1590s, designed to hang in his home, Weston House in Warwickshire. These portraits were mainly of kings, queens, and notable contemporary figures, characterized by their arched tops. Busiakiewicz confirmed the painting’s identity after visiting the Shire Hall with local historian Aaron Manning. The portrait has now been moved to a museum collection center for further research. The artist of the portrait remains unknown, but the creator is sometimes referred to as the "Sheldon Master." This discovery highlights the role of social media in uncovering historical artifacts.
