King Henry VIII

1 portrait of King Henry VIII

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King Henry VIII

by Cornelis Metsys (Massys)
line engraving, 1548
6 3/4 in. x 5 in. (170 mm x 127 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D24929

Sitterback to top

  • King Henry VIII (1491-1547), Reigned 1509-47. Sitter associated with 99 portraits.

Artistback to top

This portraitback to top

This print was first produced in 1544 and again the year after Henry's death. The full frontal pose probably derives in part from Hans Holbein's portrait of Henry, first painted 1536 -7.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Events of 1548back to top

Current affairs

The infant Mary Queen of Scots is betrothed to the Dauphin Francis (later Francis II of France) and flees to France.
Death of Catherine Parr, sixth wife of King Henry VIII.

Art and science

The founder of the Jesuit movement Ignatius Loyola publishes Spiritual Exercises, an influential manual for enhancing Catholic faith.

International

The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V passes the Augsburg Interim, which attempts to reconcile German Protestant and Catholic beliefs and practices.

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