Lady Jane Grey reigned for just nine days as Queen of England following the death of Edward VI in 1553: she was deposed by the faction supporting Edward’s half-sister and heir, Mary Tudor. Tried for treason, the 17-year-old Lady Jane was beheaded at Tower Hill on 12 February 1554.

Painted over 300 years later, this work by the French artist Paul Delaroche shows the final moments of the doomed Queen. He plays up the spectacle of the innocent young victim about to be executed, compelling us to react to the scene before us. 

Join Anna McGee for a brief introduction to this painting, our picture of the month for March. 

Supported by Elizabeth and Daniel Peltz OBE