King Henry VIII

Sitterback to top

• King Henry VIII (1491-1547), Reigned 1509-47. Sitter associated with 90 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Hans Holbein the Younger (1497 or 1498-1543). Artist associated with 296 portraits, Sitter associated with 12 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait shows Henry VIII in his mid forties when he had already begun the process of dismantling monasteries and religious houses and had executed his second wife Anne Boleyn and the Bishop John Fisher. The portrait derives from a type establish by Hans Holbein the Younger, held in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. However this version painted on copper by a later artist may date from the late-sixteenth or early -seventeenth century.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Clare Gittings, The National Portrait Gallery Book of Elizabeth I, 2006, p. 1
• Parris, Matthew, Heroes and Villains: Scarfe at the National Portrait Gallery, 2003 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 30 September 2003 to 4 April 2004), p. 83
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 296
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 153
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 83

Portrait setback to top

• Miniatures: Highlights

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery