Helena Snakenborg, Marchioness of Northampton, 1569, 3rd wife of Katherine Parr's brother
The sitter may be Elizabeth I's maid of honour, Helena Snakenborg, who became a powerful figure at court. In 1565 she had visited England with the Swedish princess Cecilia, remaining there as the fiancée of the elderly Marquis of Northampton, whom she was to marry in 1571. The carnation behind her ear may be a symbol of her betrothal. The Marquis was the elderly brother of Queen Katherine Parr. Helena was his third and final wife.
Helena Snakenborg, Marchioness of Northampton, 1569, 3rd wife of Katherine Parr's brother
The sitter may be Elizabeth I's maid of honour, Helena Snakenborg, who became a powerful figure at court. In 1565 she had visited England with the Swedish princess Cecilia, remaining there as the fiancée of the elderly Marquis of Northampton, whom she was to marry in 1571. The carnation behind her ear may be a symbol of her betrothal. The Marquis was the elderly brother of Queen Katherine Parr. Helena was his third and final wife.