About this lot
Description
Follower of Hans Holbein the Younger
Portrait of King Henry VIII (1491-1547), bust-length, in a fur-lined cloak and gold-brocade doublet, with a chain and feathered black hat
inscribed 'HENRICVS OCTAVVS' (above)
oil on panel
35 x 27cm
Provenance:
Christie's, London, 25th June 2013, lot 329
Footnote:
This portrait is based on the iconic images of Henry VIII which Holbein and his studio produced throughout the sitter’s lifetime. These depictions of Henry VIII became the sanctioned images of the court and were reproduced widely. They were intended to propagate the strength of the Tudor dynasty and the total authority of Henry VIII as King. Significantly, these images achieved this without the traditional symbolism of royal power such as a crown or sceptre, but instead through Henry VIII’s posture, facial expression and symbols of wealth, such as his costume and jewellery.
Condition report:
45 x 36.6cm
Believed to be a 16th-century copy
The painting is executed in oil on a wooden panel formed from a single board. The panel has tool marks and bevels on the reverse and the woodgrain runs vertically. There are some old woodworm holes running along the centre of the panel. The paint layer has suffered from flaking and loss in the past. In some areas there are localised listers of paint following the vertical woodgrain, although these appear stable. There is extensive overpaint across the panel covering old loss. The overpaint is reasonably well matched to the original. The varnish is clear, even and semi-matte.
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