Facial Recognition Analysis Suggests 16th-Century Sketch Shows Different Subject

Scholars applied facial-recognition technology to a 500-year-old drawing previously labeled Anna Bollein Queen. The analysis indicated the portrait more likely shows Elizabeth Howard. The study compared facial features from the sketch against known historical images. Results showed stronger matches with records associated with Howard.

Researchers examined proportions and structural details preserved in the drawing. They measured distances between key facial landmarks and compared them to reference portraits. The team also reviewed historical documentation attached to the sketch. Labels on the drawing had identified the subject as Anna Bollein Queen for centuries.

The drawing dates to the 16th century and has been held in public collections. Its original attribution influenced later interpretations of royal portraiture. Further verification would require additional cross-referencing with contemporary records. No new physical evidence was presented in the current study.