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The Memorial of Lord Darnley
Livinus de Vogelaare, 'The Memorial of Lord Darnley' (RCIN 401230) ©

Some paintings have lots of little details that may not be noticed at first glance.

We’ve picked out a couple of paintings that have strange, silly or surprising features for you to find!

The Memorial of Lord Darnley©

Lord Darnley was the second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, and he died in rather mysterious circumstances. On 9 February 1567, the house he was staying in was blown up … but the next morning, Darnley’s body was found in the house’s garden, strangled to death.

This painting was commissioned by his parents, who are the two figures centre-right. It has lots of fascinating details in it!

Try to find:

  • A battle scene
  • A baby wearing a crown
  • Two unicorns, representing Scottish royalty
  • Scrolls around the heads of the figures showing what they are thinking
The Field of the Cloth of Gold©

This fascinating painting was made to commemorate the meeting of Henry VIII and Francis I, the King of France, in June 1520. The name of the painting came from the beautiful materials used to make the tents and pavilions for the meeting.

The painting is interesting because it shows several different moments in one image. Look carefully – how many versions of Henry VIII can you see? What other interesting details can you spot?

Try to find:

  • A dragon
  • The Tudor rose
  • A pair of greyhounds
  • Someone who isn’t feeling very well
  • Cannons firing in celebration
  • England in the distance

Find out more about the works featured here:


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