King Henry VIII
1 portrait of King Henry VIII
© National Portrait Gallery, London
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
Artistback to top
- Cornelis Metsys (Massys) (1508 or 1510-after 1580), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits.
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
- Henry VIII Remembered (20 December 2008 - 12 July 2009)
- Making History: Printed Portraiture in Tudor and Stuart Britain (7 July 2007 - 9 December 2007)
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.Comments back to top
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