In this fascinating documentary, historian Dr Nicola Tallis and author Franny Moyle dissect and unravel the meaning behind the famous paintings of the Tudor Court depicted by the renowned artist, Hans Holbein the Younger.
Born in Ausburg in 1497, Holbein worked as a painter and printmaker in Basel before moving to England in 1526 and being commissioned by the likes of Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell and Erasmus. So impressive was his style of painting that by 1535 he had become King's Painter to perhaps the most famous monarch of the Tudor dynasty, King Henry VIII. When we envisage Henry VIII, we undoubtedly picture his portrait painted by Hans Holbein the Younger.
Yet his résumé extended beyond portraits of the king. Perhaps his most impressive piece of artwork was of 'The Ambassadors', which he painted in 1533. The attention to detail in the piece and Holbein's ability to portray depth of field has led many to consider him one of the greatest portraitists in history.
Up Next in Tudors
-
Becoming Anne Boleyn
March 2022 marks the 500th anniversary since Anne Boleyn made her debut at the court of King Henry VIII.
Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates the story of Anne’s remarkable upbringing in England, the Netherlands and France before she arrived at the heart of Tudor England. For all Anne Boleyn’s...
-
A Tudor Discovery - Thomas Cromwell’s...
History Hit digs deep into a fascinating new discovery that has grabbed the attention of historians across the world.
Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb explores what is being called the most exciting Tudor find ‘in a generation’ as curators at Hever Castle identify a bejewelled, gilded prayer book, tuc...
-
Becoming Elizabeth: Not Just the Tudo...
How do you tell the story of one of the most interesting and tumultuous times in history - when Henry VIII died, leaving three children from three different mothers?
A fantastic panel of historians and writers gathers to discuss the Starz TV series “Becoming Elizabeth”, and explore the real ev...