How an art historian spotted a long-lost King Henry VIII portrait while scrolling on social media

A long-lost famous portrait of King Henry VIII has been rediscovered after an art historian spotted it in the background of a photo posted on social media.

The painting was originally part of a set of 22 portraits commissioned in the 1590s by British tapestry maker Ralph Sheldon. It initially hung in Weston House, Sheldon's home in Warwickshire, but today, only a few paintings from the collection have survived.

Art historian Adam Busiakiewicz, a consultant for Sotheby's auction house, unexpectedly noticed the painting in the background of a photo posted by the Warwickshire Lieutenancy on X on 4 July.

The photo shows a reception gathering at Shire Hall in Warwick, just 14 miles from where the painting originally hung in Weston House.

In a thread post posted to X, Busiakiewicz describes the unique feature of the paintings in Sheldon's set as having "rounded tops", which initially caught his eye.

Upon inspecting the photo, Busiakiewicz, who was born in Warwick and is now based in London, informed the local authority about his suspicion regarding the provenance of the painting.

Warwickshire County Council then invited him to inspect the artwork, which depicts the king - known for his six wives and legendary appetite - in a plumed hat and elaborate golden chains, holding a sword.

Warwickshire County Council stated that following the discovery, the artwork was relocated to its Museum Collections Centre for further research.

Although some paintings from the set of 22 are currently displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Eton College, and Knebworth House, many others still remain missing.

Research is currently underway to determine how the Henry VIII portrait ended up at Shire Hall.