The Flickr Tudorroyalfamily Image Generatr

George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham, c1538-39
Black and coloured chalks with a touch of black ink on pink prepared paper

A portrait drawing of George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham, on paper prepared with a pink ground. He is shown bust length, facing to the front. He is informally dressed and wears a cap with a badge and a chain around his neck. The drawing is almost entirely executed in black and coloured chalks. Holbein has concentrated on the sitter's face, which is carefully modelled in black and red chalks to delineate Cobham's high cheek bones and the depth of his eye sockets. The chalk in the hat may have been worked with a damp brush to suggest soft velvet. The drawing is on the same paper as that used by Holbein for his drawing of Charles Wingfield, and may be of a similar date.
George Brooke succeeded as Baron Cobham in 1529, inheriting his father's extensive lands. He pursued a military career in France and Scotland, and was noted for his bravery on the battlefield. From June 1544 he was Deputy of Calais, serving in that position during Henry VIII's siege of Boulogne and combining his military expertise with courteous diplomacy. He had a great interest in Italy, acting as patron to a number of Italian craftsmen who sought work at the Tudor court and sending his sons to be educated in Padua. His sister was the wife of Sir Thomas Wyatt, who also sat to Holbein in the 1530s.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with blue watercolour on pink prepared paper

Sir Thomas Lestrange of Hunstanton in Norfolk was married to Anne Vaux of Harrowden in Northamptonshire. The couple's close links with many of Holbein's sitters are recorded in their meticulous household accounts. Lady Lestrange was the sister of Thomas, 2nd Baron Vaux, and aunt of William Parr. The Lestranges were regularly visited by neighbours such as Richard Southwell, Lady Elizabeth Boleyn (mother of Anne Boleyn) and Anne Shelton (mother of Mary Shelton). Guests sometimes dined on deer sent by the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Surrey. The Lestranges may have commissioned portraits from Holbein after seeing those the artist made of Baron and Lady Vaux.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Thomas Vaux, 2nd Baron Vaux, c1535
Black and coloured chalks with black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The wealthy Baron Vaux was cousin to Henry Guildford and brother-in-law of Thomas Lestrange, both of whom also sat to Holbein. He married Elizabeth Cheney in 1523. Holbein probably drew Baron and Lady Vaux in 1535. In 1536 the couple, alarmed by religious reform and a 'great many foes', retired from court. Baron Vaux was an accomplished poet whose work celebrated the 'quiet mind' that is 'clear from worldly cares'.
The drawing of Baron Vaux has been extended at left by Holbein to accommodate the sleeves of his red ('rot') and silver ('silbe') jacket. The strip at the right was added later. The top corners were trimmed in the mid-eighteenth century, probably after damage to the paper.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with black ink, blue watercolour and white heightening on pink prepared paper

Holbein has used a variety of coloured chalks, including a rich salmon pink, to capture this sitter's hair and headdress. Her eyes are painted in blue watercolour, and thin black penstrokes delineate her eyelashes. Her bodice is annotated 'black felbet' (black velvet).
Several women at court were called Mistress Zouch and the sitter's identity is not known.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with black ink, blue watercolour and white heightening on pink prepared paper

Holbein has used a variety of coloured chalks, including a rich salmon pink, to capture this sitter's hair and headdress. Her eyes are painted in blue watercolour, and thin black penstrokes delineate her eyelashes. Her bodice is annotated 'black felbet' (black velvet).
Several women at court were called Mistress Zouch and the sitter's identity is not known.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Elizabeth, Lady Vaux, c1535
Black and coloured chalks with metalpoint, black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The wealthy Baron Vaux was cousin to Henry Guildford and brother-in-law of Thomas Lestrange, both of whom also sat to Holbein. He married Elizabeth Cheney in 1523. Holbein probably drew Baron and Lady Vaux in 1535. In 1536 the couple, alarmed by religious reform and a 'great many foes', retired from court. Baron Vaux was an accomplished poet whose work celebrated the 'quiet mind' that is 'clear from worldly cares'.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Elizabeth, Lady Vaux, c1535
Black and coloured chalks with metalpoint, black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The wealthy Baron Vaux was cousin to Henry Guildford and brother-in-law of Thomas Lestrange, both of whom also sat to Holbein. He married Elizabeth Cheney in 1523. Holbein probably drew Baron and Lady Vaux in 1535. In 1536 the couple, alarmed by religious reform and a 'great many foes', retired from court. Baron Vaux was an accomplished poet whose work celebrated the 'quiet mind' that is 'clear from worldly cares'.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with blue watercolour on pink prepared paper

Sir Thomas Lestrange of Hunstanton in Norfolk was married to Anne Vaux of Harrowden in Northamptonshire. The couple's close links with many of Holbein's sitters are recorded in their meticulous household accounts. Lady Lestrange was the sister of Thomas, 2nd Baron Vaux, and aunt of William Parr. The Lestranges were regularly visited by neighbours such as Richard Southwell, Lady Elizabeth Boleyn (mother of Anne Boleyn) and Anne Shelton (mother of Mary Shelton). Guests sometimes dined on deer sent by the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Surrey. The Lestranges may have commissioned portraits from Holbein after seeing those the artist made of Baron and Lady Vaux.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with ink and watercolour on pink prepared paper

The ambassador Thomas Wyatt probably first encountered Holbein through his father who, with Henry Guildford, employed the artist at Greenwich in 1527. Wyatt's close circle included Guildford and John Poyntz and he was a confidante of Anne Boleyn. These friendships were celebrated in his adventurous poems, which introduced new forms such as the sonnet into English. Many of these are known through the Devonshire Manuscript, which was compiled by Mary Shelton.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, 1550-1600?
Unidentified artist
Black and coloured chalks with wash and ink on pink prepared paper

This drawing has traditionally been thought to be by Holbein, but its draughtmanship is less assured. It is more likely to be by a later artist familiar with Holbein's technique of using chalk, ink and wash on pink prepared paper.
John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was imprisoned in March 1533 due to his opposition to Henry VIII's move to divorce Katherine of Aragon and was executed in 1535. After his death, Fisher was revered as a martyr and demand for his portrait grew. This drawing was probably made in response to that interest, presenting an idealised image of the bishop rather than his true likeness.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black inks over black and coloured chalks with white heightening on pink prepared paper

This drawing probably dates from c1537, since it is on the same type of paper that Holbein used for his drawing of James Butler. The identity of the sitter is not recorded, but his magnificent jacket of satin ('atlass'/'at'), and his commissioning of a portrait from Holbein, suggest that he was a man of substance. Although the finished portrait does not survive, a copy suggest that it was circular like those of Baron Cobham and George Cornwall.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Elizabeth, Lady Vaux, c1535
Black and coloured chalks with metalpoint, black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The wealthy Baron Vaux was cousin to Henry Guildford and brother-in-law of Thomas Lestrange, both of whom also sat to Holbein. He married Elizabeth Cheney in 1523. Holbein probably drew Baron and Lady Vaux in 1535. In 1536 the couple, alarmed by religious reform and a 'great many foes', retired from court. Baron Vaux was an accomplished poet whose work celebrated the 'quiet mind' that is 'clear from worldly cares'.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Thomas Vaux, 2nd Baron Vaux, c1535
Black and coloured chalks with black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The wealthy Baron Vaux was cousin to Henry Guildford and brother-in-law of Thomas Lestrange, both of whom also sat to Holbein. He married Elizabeth Cheney in 1523. Holbein probably drew Baron and Lady Vaux in 1535. In 1536 the couple, alarmed by religious reform and a 'great many foes', retired from court. Baron Vaux was an accomplished poet whose work celebrated the 'quiet mind' that is 'clear from worldly cares'.
The drawing of Baron Vaux has been extended at left by Holbein to accommodate the sleeves of his red ('rot') and silver ('silbe') jacket. The strip at the right was added later. The top corners were trimmed in the mid-eighteenth century, probably after damage to the paper.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with ink and watercolour on pink prepared paper

The ambassador Thomas Wyatt probably first encountered Holbein through his father who, with Henry Guildford, employed the artist at Greenwich in 1527. Wyatt's close circle included Guildford and John Poyntz and he was a confidante of Anne Boleyn. These friendships were celebrated in his adventurous poems, which introduced new forms such as the sonnet into English. Many of these are known through the Devonshire Manuscript, which was compiled by Mary Shelton.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with ink and watercolour on pink prepared paper

The ambassador Thomas Wyatt probably first encountered Holbein through his father who, with Henry Guildford, employed the artist at Greenwich in 1527. Wyatt's close circle included Guildford and John Poyntz and he was a confidante of Anne Boleyn. These friendships were celebrated in his adventurous poems, which introduced new forms such as the sonnet into English. Many of these are known through the Devonshire Manuscript, which was compiled by Mary Shelton.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black and coloured chalks with blue watercolour on pink prepared paper

Sir Thomas Lestrange of Hunstanton in Norfolk was married to Anne Vaux of Harrowden in Northamptonshire. The couple's close links with many of Holbein's sitters are recorded in their meticulous household accounts. Lady Lestrange was the sister of Thomas, 2nd Baron Vaux, and aunt of William Parr. The Lestranges were regularly visited by neighbours such as Richard Southwell, Lady Elizabeth Boleyn (mother of Anne Boleyn) and Anne Shelton (mother of Mary Shelton). Guests sometimes dined on deer sent by the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Surrey. The Lestranges may have commissioned portraits from Holbein after seeing those the artist made of Baron and Lady Vaux.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

William Parr, later Marquess of Northampton,1538-9
Black and coloured chalks with black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The pleasure-loving William Parr was patron of music and enjoyed playing tennis and gambling. This portrait may have been made on the occasion of his knighting in 1538 or his creation as Baron Parr in 1539. Holbein has recorded the magnificence of Parr's purple velvet ('burpor felbet') jacket and sketched the detail of his gold hat decorations.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

Black inks over black and coloured chalks with white heightening on pink prepared paper

This drawing probably dates from c1537, since it is on the same type of paper that Holbein used for his drawing of James Butler. The identity of the sitter is not recorded, but his magnificent jacket of satin ('atlass'/'at'), and his commissioning of a portrait from Holbein, suggest that he was a man of substance. Although the finished portrait does not survive, a copy suggest that it was circular like those of Baron Cobham and George Cornwall.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery

William Parr, later Marquess of Northampton,1538-9
Black and coloured chalks with black ink and white heightening on pink prepared paper

The pleasure-loving William Parr was patron of music and enjoyed playing tennis and gambling. This portrait may have been made on the occasion of his knighting in 1538 or his creation as Baron Parr in 1539. Holbein has recorded the magnificence of Parr's purple velvet ('burpor felbet') jacket and sketched the detail of his gold hat decorations.*

From the exhibition


Holbein at the Tudor Court
(November 2023 – April 2024)

Hans Holbein was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII, his family and leading figures, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. By his death, Holbein’s work was as admired by his contemporaries as it is today. His portraits inspired the next generation of artists in their depictions of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
This exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work, and includes drawings, paintings, miniatures and book illustrations. Celebrating Holbein’s artistic skill, it explores the career of the artist and the lives of those who commissioned portraits from him, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most famous people of 16th-century England.
Hans Holbein (1497/8-1543) travelled to England from the Swiss city of Basel in 1526. He was seeking work at the English court, where Henry VIII employed artists from across Europe to celebrate the power and glory of the Tudor dynasty.
Over the next 17 years, Holbein would become one of the most successful artists working in England. His clients included senior courtiers, leading nobles and members of the Tudor royal family.
Holbein's success in England was due to his skill at portraiture. He came from a family of artists from Augsburg in Germany and learned to draw and paint at an early age. Contemporaries praised him as an 'incomparable painter' and a 'wonderful artist'. His portrait paintings and miniatures depicted sitters who, as the inscription on one painting proclaimed, only needed a voice to appear alive.
Holbein's portraits started with drawings of his sitters, taken from the life. Although made as working studies, these drawings are beautiful works of art in their own right. Their detail reveals much about Holbein's working practice as he developed and refined his composition, a process which continued as he began to paint.
[*King's Gallery]

Unless otherwise stated, the item is by Holbein

Taken in King's Gallery