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King Henry VIII

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King Henry VIII

by Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist
oil on panel, circa 1535-1540
23 in. x 17 1/2 in. (584 mm x 445 mm)
Given by Sir Geoffrey Langdon Keynes, 1948
Primary Collection
NPG 3638

Sitterback to top

  • King Henry VIII (1491-1547), Reigned 1509-47. Sitter associated with 98 portraits.

Artistback to top

This portraitback to top

Although a comparatively large number of portraits of Henry VIII survive, they are likely to represent only a fraction of those that were made in his lifetime. This portrait may have been owned by Henry's personal chaplain, Anthony de Bellasis, and would have been displayed in order to demonstrate his loyalty to the king at a time of ongoing religious and political turmoil.
The number of artists who came to England from the Netherlands had a significant impact on the technique and style of English art. For example, the paint in the collar has been particularly skilfully handled in order to evoke the delicacy of the fabric. A new frame has been made for this portrait through the support of the Leche Trust.

Linked publicationsback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1535back to top

Current affairs

The former Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More is beheaded for High Treason after refusing to recognise King Henry VIII's religious supremacy.
The Bishop of Rochester John Fisher is executed on the same charge.

Art and science

The German artist Hans Holbein the Younger paints King Henry VIII.

International

The French navigator Jacques Cartier explores the sites that will become Quebec and Montreal. He names the territory Canada.
Lima in present day Peru is founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro
The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V captures the city of Tunis in present-day Tunisia from the Ottoman admiral Khair ad-Din, called Barbarossa.

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