help in deciphering this painting on my sisters wall

[ribbo39]

Hi all,

This painting is on a wall in my sister's house in Harwich part of which dates from about 1460s.
Would anyone know what it says.

Any help would be appreciated.

Alan

[Gadget]

I can't make out the text but, to me, the image suggests the Gunpowder Plot. 5th November 1605.

[PaulineJ]

i thought it was a woman and a swaddled baby.

[Viktoria]

The hat the person is wearing is very like that in the portrait of Edward the
Fourth,and Richard the Third was also painted wearing that style.
Edward  reigned 1461-83.
Richard 1483-85.
Can’t make out what it is on the left side, a barrel, a tied up pig- there seems to be an ear.
The puffed up sleeves  though suggest Elizabethan times also the full pleated pants.
Are those legs in green hose on the lower border?
Wonder if the script is Welsh.?
Hope you find out more ,
It certainly looks authentic and warrants full investigation.
             Viktoria.

Third

[Gadget]

Going back to my thought of the Gunpowder Plot - didn't one of the conspirators live near Harwich?

I loved reading about this period of our history but a bit rusty now!

[Viktoria]

The Gunpowder Plot was1605,the style of sleeves and pants on the image are not far off those of that period but I think a little earlier if anything.
The hat though is earlier.
How did it come into the posession of the people who have it now?
A wall painting is surely very old.
Do let us know.
       Viktoria.

[ribbo39]

Hi Viktoria,

My sister & her husband bought the premises about 30 years ago as their home.

They were aware of its heritage listing.

I was just curious to learn what the writing said. I think they are legs hanging down and the "lady" appears to have a staff in her right hand and there is also something like a cornet her other hand.

Alan

[Finley 1]

what about the  'Witches of Harwich'

http://www.witchtrials.co.uk/names.html


xin 

[djm297]

I think it might be someone holding a distaff & spindle?
djm297