Who painted The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII?

The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII was painted by Hans Holbein the Younger in 1534.

Where can I see The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII?

The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII?

The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII

Hans Holbein the Younger , 1534

The wife of a servant of King Henry VIII is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger. It dates from 1534 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

This is a round portrait of a woman with pale skin and light hair, dressed in a simple white cap and collar.

This is a round portrait of a woman with pale skin and light hair, dressed in a simple white cap and collar. Her face is calm, with a slight smile. The background is a plain dark green, and the edges of the painting are slightly faded.

The text on the frame says she was 28 years old in 1534. Her outfit looks practical, not fancy, which might hint at her everyday life.

Next, look up Hans Holbein the Younger to see how his other portraits compare.

Overview

This portrait, painted in oil on a round panel, is the work of Hans Holbein the Younger, a prominent artist of the Northern Renaissance. Created in 1534, it is a characteristic example of his skill in portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts an unidentified woman, aged 28 at the time of painting, with a calm expression and a simple, practical outfit. Her attire suggests a modest, everyday life, possibly indicating her role as the wife of a servant in the court of King Henry VIII.

Technique & Style

The portrait showcases Holbein's precise draftsmanship and ability to capture a subject's likeness. The plain dark green background and the subject's pale skin and light hair create a striking contrast, while the slightly faded edges of the painting suggest its age.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, having been created during Holbein's time working in England under the patronage of King Henry VIII.