Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

Sitterback to top

• Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex (circa 1485-1540), Statesman. Sitter associated with 27 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 of Thomas Cromwell is maybe one of the first miniatures Holbein painted. It was made during his second visit to England in 1532 when Cromwell was advancing as a trusted councillor of the king. The mount has been cut from a playing card of the suit of spades. This portrait is mounted in the same case as another, later, miniature of Cromwell.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 6311: Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex (source portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Tudor Portraits Resource Pack, p. 10
• MacLeod, Catharine, Tudor Portraits in the National Portrait Gallery Collection, 1996, p. 10
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 33
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 33
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 208
• Walker, Richard, Miniatures: 300 Years of the English Miniature, 1998, p. 18

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Tudor Miniatures (From 6 November 2004)

Portrait setback to top

• Miniatures: Highlights

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Miniatures