1 SYMBOLS OF SALVATION
Catherine of Aragon's choice of necklace and brooch enabled her to make a very public display of her piety
The jewels worn by Henry VIII's first wife not only say a great deal about her status but, more significantly, her character and values. In keeping with the fashion for low-cut gowns, Catherine's is lined with pearls and diamonds set in goldsmith's work. But it is her necklace and brooch - shown in this c1525 painting by Lucas Horenbout - that draw the most interest. Attached to the necklace of gold beads and clusters of pearls is an ornate tau cross - a T-shaped cross symbolic of salvation. Interestingly, Catherine's daughter, Mary, was later painted wearing a similar cross, as were Jane Seymour and Katherine Parr, reflecting each queen's piety.
Queens were expected to be pious, but Catherine's faith was personal too. Her jewels reflect a genuine and heartfelt devotion to God, and the tau cross was also associated with her favourite religious order, the Observant Franciscans.
