Anna of Denmark, Queen of England

Leeds Barroll's Anna of Denmark, Queen of England reexamines the queen's significant contributions to the Jacobean cultural landscape, challenging traditional narratives.

This cultural biography sheds light on Queen Anna of Denmark, who has often been overshadowed by her husband, King James I. In Anna of Denmark, Queen of England, Leeds Barroll argues that Anna played a crucial role in the artistic flourishing during the Jacobean period, particularly through her sponsorship of the extravagant court drama known as the masque. As an early modern queen consort, her influence extended beyond mere ceremonial duties, positioning her as a significant patron of the arts, which often goes unrecognized in historical narratives.

Barroll challenges the prevailing notion that King James I was solely responsible for the cultural advancements of the early seventeenth century. Instead, he presents Anna as a strategic and powerful figure who cultivated her own courtly environment and championed various artistic projects. Married at the tender age of seventeen, Anna quickly established herself as a formidable player in the intricate politics of both Scotland and England. Her complex relationship with King James, particularly regarding their son Henry, reveals the tensions and dynamics that defined their partnership and the court.

Moreover, the book explores Anna's connection to Catholicism, adding another layer to her identity and influence. By examining her patronage and the cultural landscape of her time, Anna of Denmark, Queen of England repositions the queen consort as an essential figure in early modern Europe, highlighting her contributions to the arts and the development of royal identity.