Originally published on Art UK

The film The Favourite, from director Yorgos Lanthimos, sees Olivia Colman play Queen Anne (1665–1714) – a performance that has won her an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe! In this surprisingly funny historical biopic, Colman masterfully plays the isolated, volatile monarch, besieged by her courtiers and infatuated with her closest confidant – Lady Sarah Churchill, played by Rachel Weisz. In the film, the two women are portrayed as lovers, although historians have uncovered no concrete evidence (so far) that this was true. Emma Stone dazzles as the aspirational and ruthless maid, Abigail Marsham.

But how has Anne been portrayed in art? Here's an artistic exploration of the tragic life of Queen Anne, and her scheming ladies-in-waiting. ... See More