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| A Protestant Allegory, by Girolamo da Treviso, circa 1538-44. Hampton Court Palace, The Royal Collection. Photo by A.Jensen. |
In 1534, King Henry VIII had himself officially declared Supreme Head of the newly formed Church of England. He had become convinced through those around him involved in the evangelical movement, such as his new wife, Queen Anne Boleyn, that he knew the will of God. Therefore, the Pope's guidance was no longer needed in spiritual matters. King Henry and other evangelicals read translations of the Bible in English. Henry commissioned this unique and rather savage painting demonstrating his beliefs, in which the four authors of the Gospels stone the Pope with rocks.
