Hans Holbein the Younger: Painting the Tudor Court
Early Modern • 32m
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.
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