An Artist Created Lifelike Photos of the Wives of King Henry VIII
Artist Becca Saladin’s art amplifies the pain and tragedy of five beautiful young women who died too young
The daughter of two teachers, Becca Saladin has always loved history. Her love of history, paired with her talent as a graphic artist is breathing new interest into centuries-old stories.
It all started with Anne Boleyn
The first book her father read her was a fictionalized version of the Anne Boleyn story. Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, was a feisty and intelligent woman who quickly became Saladin’s favorite historical figure.
One day, she wondered what Boleyn would look like today. So, she opened Photoshop to see if she could bring her into the future. Pasting together eyes, nose, and mouth, she manipulated them to match Boleyn’s portrait, digitally painting eyelashes and skin color.
When she was done, Boleyn felt like a real person to her. Looking at the photo makes Boleyn’s story feel more horrific and somehow more profound. She could relate to her.
“It’s hard for us to relate to historical figures”, she says, “when all we have to go by is flat portraits wearing outdated period era garments. We don’t…
