Thomas Wolsey
(1470 or 1471-1530), Cardinal and statesmanSitter associated with 37 portraits
'Of vast ability and indefatigable', Wolsey was a butcher's son from Ipswich who rose to become Henry VIII's most powerful minister in the early part of his reign. He was a talented statesmen who was created a Cardinal by Pope Leo X in 1515 and was made Lord Chancellor by Henry the same year, succeeding William Warham in the post. He founded Cardinal College, Oxford (later refounded as Christ Church) and built the palace of Hampton Court. Wolsey promoted the King's ambitious foreign policy, but fell from favour when he failed to obtain Henry's divorce from Katherine of Aragon. He died before he could be tried for treason.
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, 1589-1595, based on a work of circa 1520
NPG 32
after Unknown artist
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D33082
after Unknown artist
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D33086
by Nicolas de Larmessin
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D33087
by Nicolas de Larmessin
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D33088
by Magdalena de Passe, by Willem de Passe
line engraving, published 1620
NPG D33083
by Magdalena de Passe, by Willem de Passe
line engraving, published 1620
NPG D33084
by Magdalena de Passe, by Willem de Passe
line engraving, published 1620
NPG D33085
by William Marshall
line engraving, published 1642
NPG D24256
by William Marshall, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1648
NPG D21615
by William Marshall, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1648
NPG D33081
possibly by Étienne Jehandier Desrochers
line engraving, possibly late 17th century
NPG D24255
by Unknown artist, published by Richard Chiswell
line engraving, published circa 1679
NPG D15218
after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1684
NPG D23930
by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after Adriaen van der Werff
line engraving, possibly 1697
NPG D24244
by John Faber Sr, after Hans Holbein the Younger
mezzotint, probably early 18th century
NPG D24243
after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24245
after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24247
possibly by George Vertue, after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24248
by Hall, after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24251
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