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Mary Shelton, later Lady Heveningham (RCIN 912227)
Guido Mazzoni (d. 1518)

Head of a laughing boy

RCIN 73197

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This terracotta bust of a young boy was once thought to show Henry VIII. It was probably made by the Italian sculptor Guido Mazzoni for Henry VII.

The bust was formed of clay pressed into a mould, and the boy’s open mouth, ears and nostrils served to allow steam to escape during firing.