Royal Portraits – Symbolism & Costume

A quick primer on reading royal portraits tied to the Tower’s story: what costumes and props communicate.

11/27/2025

9 min read

How to Read a Portrait

Gaze, hand, and object: a triangle of signal.
Costume as policy: fabrics and colours speak.

Image Highlight

Queen Mary I

Bottom Line

Portraits are performances—watch what they ask you to believe.

About the Author

Art & Power Guide

I built this to help you enjoy the Tower of London smartly—clear pacing, better timing, and context that makes each chapel, crown, and stone corridor resonate.