“The Execution of Lady Jane Grey” by Paul Delaroche

2 min read

Actress Rachel Zegler’s Prabal Gurung Met Gala outfit is inspired by the 1833 painting “The Execution of Lady Jane Grey.” The work by artist Paul Delaroche, currently on view in the National Gallery in London, depicts the final moment of the life of Lady Jane Grey, who reigned for nine days as Queen of England following the death of King Edward VI in 1553. She was deposed by her cousin, Queen Mary I, and beheaded.

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche.

Per the museum, the painting shows the seconds right before her execution: “She is being guided towards it by Sir John Brydges, Lieutenant of the Tower. Her outer clothing has already been removed and is gathered in the lap of a lady-in-waiting, who has slumped to the ground. Behind her, a second lady-in-waiting stands facing the wall, unable to watch. To the right, the executioner stands waiting. Using a shallow stage-like space, theatrical lighting and life-size figures, Delaroche plays up the spectacle of the innocent young victim on the brink of martyrdom, compelling us to react to the scene before us.”

Zegler confirmed that her outfit is in reference to the painting on her Instagram.

Zegler on the red carpet.

Tonight marks Zegler’s first appearance at the Met Gala. She’s currently filming Lin-Manual Miranda’s Octet, an adaptation of Dave Malloy’s musical. Her co-star Amanda Seyfried is also in attendance at the Met this evening.

“Every single person is wonderful and fun and wants to be there,” Seyfried said of her co-stars Zegler, Jonathan Groff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phillipa Soo, Tramell Tillman, and Paul-Jordan Jansen. “And when you have a group of people who just really love what they do and wanna be there no matter where they’re from or what they do or how old they are, it doesn’t matter. It’s just like we’re all in the same place, breathing the same air and loving the same music with Lin, and it’s great.”

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.