Princess Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk 1516

This is Mabuse’s portrait of Princess Mary Tudor and Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk. It offers a display of texture, colour and shape, all contributing to its aesthetic. The composition balances Mary’s delicate features and ornate clothing against Charles’s robust figure and rich fur-trimmed garments, which creates a striking contrast. The formal arrangement underscores the power dynamics and social identities. Mabuse uses dark colours and intricate patterns to convey the wealth and status of the sitters, with every detail, from the jewels to the fabric, reflecting the artistic conventions of Renaissance portraiture. The very structure of the painting—how each element is rendered and placed—speaks to the period's values and beliefs. It creates a sense of order that transcends the mere representation of two individuals.