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# Henry FitzRoy in a cap in his portrait and possible reasons for the image
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/ne-znaiu-po-kakoi-prichine-genri-fitsroi-nezakonnorozhdennyi-syn-genrikha-viii-i-ego-tem-ne-menee-naslednik-okazalsia-zapechatlennym-na-etom-portrete-v-cheptse/
- Published: 2020-11-23T08:11:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T19:02:38.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Art, Monarchies, Observations, People

I do not know why Henry FitzRoy, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII and yet his heir, came to be captured in a nightcap in this portrait. I think the version that he simply did not want to climb out of bed, even when the artist had already arrived, and so was painted just as he was (a story out of the Carrie Bradshaw department, who turned up to a shoot late and in a dreadful state) does not seem all that convincing. Perhaps Henry was simply unwell that day? His sickliness is well known, but as for me, I think the young man may simply have wished to express himself and emphasise his age and style, while at the same time showing his torso, to add a certain piquancy and allure. Or was it merely the artist's conception and vision? In any case, the effect, whether deliberate or not, was achieved, and the portrait has indeed remained in history as a remarkable depiction of a youth in domestic guise. And that such a headdress was ultra-fashionable, costly and a mark of status is evident without further explanation. And yes, I am sorry that FitzRoy died at 17

![](https://theparnassian.com/content/images/2026/09/photo_3574@23-11-2020_11-11-06.jpg)