The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

Finally completed my yearly prilgrimage to the National Gallery to see my favourite painting.

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey was painted in 1833 by Paul Delaroche (1795 - 1856)

Lady Jane Grey reigned as Queen for 9 days in 1553 until deposed by supporters of Catholic Queen Mary. Poor Lady Jane Grey was beheaded at Tower Hill the following year at only 17 years old.

This painting evokes many emotions. I still have the same aching sadness as the very first time I laid my eyes on it and this is the fifth year.

On a wooden platform, covered by a thick black cloth, Lady Jane Grey is being led to the executioner's block by an elderly priest.

She is dressed in a startlingly pristine white dress, luminiscent and pure. A white linen strip is wrapped around her eyes, protecting her from the ugliness of the event, but to no avail. Lady Jane Grey looks scared, but noble and so young and so pretty. She stumbles slightly as she kneels upon an opulent teal cushion with gold tassels placed before a harsh wooden executioner's block.

Fine strands of straw are scattered around the block. A desperate attempt to soak whatever blood that will be spilled, a contrast to the thick black floor covering.

The elderly priest helps Lady Jane Grey find her place on the dreaded cushion, as he whispers words of comfort and prayers. What can he be saying to her, just minutes before her inevitable execution?

Lady Jane Grey's two handmaidens are swooning in despair and sadness by the left of the execution platform. One handmaiden dressed in rich brocade sits on the floor, back leaning against a pillar, her eyes are closed. She holds a bejewelled pearl rosary in her hands, and she wears jewelled gold rings on her fingers. The other handmaiden has her back to the awful scene unfolding, her hands are in the air, beating upon the same pillar in sorrow.

The executioner stands on the right of the platform, dressed in a plain tunic and tights. He holds his axe by the handle, and rests the axehead on the floor. It almost looks as if he is trying to distance himself from this weapon that will end the life of poor Lady Jane Grey. He looks upon the struggling young girl, and yet he knows he has to carry out his dread task. He masks this with a cold look of apathy.

The whole painting is dark, but Lady Jane Grey is illuminated, her noble face turned slightly upwards, her dress seems to glow.

Without fail, my eyes are drawn towards a simple thin gold band on her left fourth finger.

And I remember the real sadness behind this painting.

Indeed, poor Lady Jane Grey.