John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners

Sitterback to top

• John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners (1467-1533), Statesman and writer. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

• The Master of the Brandon portrait (active circa 1515-1530), Painter. Artist associated with 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

Lord Berners served Henry VIII as Chancellor of the Exchequer, assisted in the negotiations for an alliance with Spain two years later, and attended the king at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. While serving as Lord Deputy of Calais he devoted his leisure hours, at Henry's suggestion, to translating the French historian Froissart's Chronicles. This portrait, which so perceptively characterises this able and cultivated man, was almost certainly painted by a Flemish artist during Berners' residence in Calais, and is a rare early example of an Englishman sitting for his portrait while abroad. The significance of the fruit, thought to be an apple, which Berners holds has yet to be discovered.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 53

Subject/Themeback to top

• Hats and head-attire