by Tom Gurney
Tom Gurney BSc (Hons) is an art history expert with over 20 years experience
Published on June 19, 2020 / Updated on October 14, 2023
Email: tomgurney1@gmail.com / Phone: +44 7429 011000
This painting from 1543 is one of the Hans Holbein's last artworks and is now owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States.
Hans Holbein had a strong connection to the English monarchy in the latter years of his life and this would enable him to produce portraits of some of the leading figures in the country. Originally from Germany, the artist also lived in Switzerland and France at various times in his life. It was clear that he could not settle on the norm at any point and constantly wanted to challenge himself.
When Holbein became an integral member of Henry VIII's court of painters, it was then that he settled down and continued to pursue his career without concern over his finances. He was particularly respected by the ruling monarch who called on his services on many occassions. Many in his close circle would also request commissioned portraits of themselves from Holbein in order to feel even more connected to their leader.
Few artists have managed to create such strong ouevre from working predominantly as a court painter, because their artistic freedom would often be curtailed. Perhaps Diego Velazquez can rival him in terms of success and was also a specialist in the same genre as Hans Holbein - that of portraiture.