Qu'est-ce que anne of cleves ?

Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England. She was born in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1515, and was the daughter of John III, Duke of Cleves. In 1539, her brother William, Count of Cleves, suggested her as a potential wife for the English king.

Henry VIII was interested in finding a new wife after his third marriage to Jane Seymour ended with her death in childbirth. He sent his court painter, Hans Holbein, to paint portraits of Anne, as well as other potential brides. He was impressed by the portrait of Anne and decided to marry her.

However, when Anne arrived in England in December 1539, Henry was disappointed by her appearance. He famously called her a "Flanders mare" and found her unattractive. Despite this, the two were married in January 1540.

The marriage was short-lived, as Henry soon sought an annulment based on the grounds that the marriage had not been consummated. Anne agreed to the annulment, and in July 1540, she received a generous settlement and the title of "The King's Sister." She lived the rest of her life in England, and died in 1557.

Despite the failed marriage, Anne of Cleves was regarded as a wise and steadfast woman, and was respected by Henry VIII and his subsequent wives.