Who painted Henry VIII (1491–1547)?

Henry VIII (1491–1547) was painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1530.

Where can I see Henry VIII (1491–1547)?

Henry VIII (1491–1547) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Henry VIII (1491–1547)?

Henry VIII (1491–1547) is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Henry VIII (1491–1547)

Hans Holbein the Younger , 1530

Henry VIII (1491–1547) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The portrait Henry VIII (1491–1547) is a 16th-century oil painting by Hans Holbein the Younger, a renowned portraitist of German and Swiss descent.

Subject & Meaning

The painting is a close-up depiction of Henry VIII, King of England, shown with a serious expression wearing ornate attire, including a fur-trimmed robe, gold chain, and jewel-adorned hat.

Technique & Style

Holbein's use of soft light and shadow creates a three-dimensional effect, highlighting the textures of the subject's clothing and skin, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style and employing chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark.

History & Provenance

Created around 1530, the painting is now part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.