New Research Suggests Mystery Portrait May Depict Lady Jane Grey

Experts present compelling evidence that the painting could be the only known lifetime portrait of England's nine-day queen.

The portrait, currently on display at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, was analyzed by English Heritage and the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Dendrochronological analysis dates the wooden panel to between 1539 and 1571, aligning with Lady Jane Grey's lifetime.
Alterations to the painting, including changes to the subject's costume and scratched-out facial features, suggest a shift to depict her as a Protestant martyr after her death.
The back of the panel bears a merchant's mark identical to one found on a portrait of King Edward VI, Lady Jane's predecessor and cousin.
While experts cannot confirm the sitter’s identity with certainty, the evidence has reignited debate about the portrait’s connection to Lady Jane Grey.