Jane Seymour, Queen of England

This portrait of Jane Seymour captured her at the point that she is the Queen of England, married to Henry VIII who was also painted by Hans Holbein several times.

Her expression is modest and subdued, typical of this artist. Holbein has been influenced in his style by several Netherlandish artists who he had studied in depth. The artist had built a solid reputation in this genre prior to moving to England but it was here that his career really took off.

The ornate touches of Tudor fashion is one of the stand features of this particular painting. Fine portrait artists such as Holbein, plus also Velázquez, Goya and Van Dyck, have all helped historians to understand more about the clothing and accessories of their respective periods. Soon after Jane Seymour's demise, Henry VIII called on the services of Holbein once more in an attempt to find a new partner to share his throne. A painting sent to Denmark failed to return a wife, amidst concerns about the King’s treatment of previous Queens.

As one of Henry VIII's many wives, Jane Seymour will always hold a prominent position within English history, such was the fame of her husband's controversial reign. He took no prisoners politically, nor was he a trustworthy husband, with many women falling foul of his turbulent character and lack of compassion. Each of his wives have their own backstory, each with impressive lineage and a variety of personalities that adds to this intriguing period in English history. Hans Holbein helps to bring it alive with his beautiful portrait depictions.