This beautifully carved pair of 16th century panels appear to depict Catherine of Aragon and either her first husband Prince Arthur or her second, Henry VIII. She is shown encircled by a band of pomegranates which are her emblem and her hair is fashioned into a cornucopia, probably as a symbol of fertility. The man has a garland of knotted rope representing marriage and in the corners there are scallop shells, also an ancient symbol of fertility. It is interesting to note that Holbein also used the scallop motif in his decoration of an interior for Henry as can be seen in one of his portraits. The panels were probably part of a cupboard or panelling made to celebrate their marriage and production of an heir to the throne of England.
Ref: 8918
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