Aura Soltana

[1][2] The sailor Anthony Jenkinson brought a young woman or child from Russia to England, who joined the court of Queen Elizabeth.

[6] Subsequent records of the Elizabethan court mention "Ipolitan the Tartarian",[7] who is identified by Bernadette Andrea and other scholars as the same person.

From these sources, her identity seems to be formed and connected with international trade and the Muscovy Company, with the exchange of eastern silks and Russian furs.

[15] One of the latest records of Aura or Ipolyta at court was an order for the skinner Adam Bland to provide rabbit fur to her damask cloak in 1569.

[18] The inclusion of imported materials connects her to the global exchange of luxury goods, and is a reminder of Jenkinson's role in the Persian silk trade.

Portrait of an unknown woman in masque costume, associated with Aura Soltana, 1590s, RCT