First meeting between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, 1879 (oil on canvas)

Painted in Munich, Bavaria, Germany Between 1846 and 1852, George Frederick Folingsby worked in North America, Asia Minor, Greece and Europe. He gained awards in the International Exhibitions at Vienna in 1873 and Philadelphia in 1876; and in 1879 was commissioned to produce First meeting between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. His subjects included English historical themes and figures in landscapes, which catered to his special talent for drapery and costumes. His reputation as a figure painter enabled him to make a living in Melbourne from portrait commissions and he was appointed Master in the School of Painting at the NGV 1882 and the first Director later that year.