Levina Teerline was born Bruges in about 1510. A talented artist she was recruited by Henry VIII in 1546. She also served as a painter to the English court of Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth.

Her success was such that at one point she was paid and annual income that was more than that of both Hans Holbein and Nicholas Hilliard. We know from court records that Levina presented a new portrait of Elizabeth every New Year's Day.

Levina Teerline died in 1576.