This miniature painting shows the Old Testament story of the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon, to see if reports of his wisdom are true. Her words acknowledging his wise virtue are inscribed on the painting. Henry VIII was compared to Solomon, the wise monarch, and the Queen of Sheba was often held to represent the Church. It has been suggested, therefore, that this image shows Henry’s controlling influence over the English Church, of which he had become Supreme Head by Act of Parliament in 1534. It was probably a flattering gift to Henry from a member of his court.